Kearney, MO (May 13, 2025) – Emergency responders were dispatched Monday morning to a deadly crash on eastbound Missouri Route 92, just east of Hwy A in Clay County, that resulted in the death of one driver and left a teenager seriously injured.
The collision took place at approximately 10:13 a.m. and involved a westbound 2024 Chevrolet Malibu and an eastbound 2020 Nissan Sentra. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol officials, the Malibu crossed the center line at the crest of a hill, crashing head-on into the Sentra. The violent impact totaled both vehicles and brought an immediate response from multiple emergency agencies.
First responders, including emergency medical services and Troop A’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, arrived quickly to provide aid. The 34-year-old female driver of the Malibu, a resident of Smithville, was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. She was transported to Liberty Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased by Dr. Dan Hagard at 11:24 a.m. Her next of kin has been notified.
The 19-year-old female driver of the Sentra, from Kearney, was seriously injured despite using a safety device. She was also transported to Liberty Hospital for treatment.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by GT Tow of Smithville. Investigators with the Highway Patrol, assisted by multiple troopers and crash reconstruction experts, continue to evaluate the incident. The crash has been recorded as Troop A’s 25th fatal crash and 28th roadway fatality of 2025.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life and wish the injured teen a full recovery.
Fatal Car Accidents in Missouri
Tragic crashes like Monday’s on MO-92 highlight the unforgiving nature of Missouri’s two-lane highways, particularly near rural crests and curves where visibility can diminish in an instant. The danger intensifies when a vehicle crosses the center line on hilly terrain, leaving little time for an oncoming driver to react.
The fatal crash near Hwy A involved a westbound vehicle that veered into the eastbound lane while cresting a hill, striking a teenager’s vehicle head-on. This scenario, crossing the center line on a blind rise, is especially lethal and remains a frequent cause of high-impact collisions in Missouri’s rural counties.
While the 19-year-old victim in this case had worn a seatbelt and survived the impact, the other driver was unrestrained and tragically lost her life. This stark contrast once again reinforces the life-saving role of seatbelts, especially in head-on crashes.
Beyond individual safety practices, this crash underscores the broader issue of highway design in areas where hills obstruct visibility. Advocates continue to call for rumble strips, additional signage, and, in some cases, infrastructure changes to prevent lane departures. Until such improvements are implemented more widely, the burden remains on drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially in rural zones with elevation changes.
Kearney and Clay County residents are all too familiar with the hazards of MO-92, which has seen multiple serious incidents in recent years. For survivors and families impacted by such traumatic events, recovery is more than physical—it includes emotional, financial, and legal aspects that often require dedicated support.
If you or someone you love was involved in a serious crash like this one, know that help is available. From medical navigation to emotional recovery and understanding your rights, there are professionals who specialize in assisting families through these trying times.
A tragedy like this can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Local Accident Reports provides compassionate guidance to help families move forward after devastating collisions. We can connect you with trusted local resources and information tailored to your situation. Contact Local Accident Reports today to learn how we can assist you in taking the next steps toward healing and resolution.
