Laclede County, MO (August 7, 2025) – A multi-vehicle crash along eastbound Interstate 44 on Tuesday afternoon resulted in two people being transported to area hospitals with varying injuries following a chain-reaction collision involving four vehicles.
The crash unfolded around 3:00 p.m. near the 143.2 mile marker, during what appeared to be wet roadway conditions. According to initial reports, a 2024 Freightliner hydroplaned and struck a bridge barrier. As traffic slowed, a 2024 Peterbilt semi-truck collided with the rear of a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant, pushing it into a 2024 Toyota Sequoia ahead of it.
A 25-year-old male passenger from Oklahoma City, who was not wearing a seatbelt in the Peterbilt, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for advanced medical treatment. The driver of the Mitsubishi Galant, a 58-year-old man from Waynesville, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Lebanon.
Several vehicles were significantly damaged. The Mitsubishi required towing due to extensive front and rear-end damage, while the Peterbilt sustained moderate impact and was removed by C&S Towing. Fortunately, the drivers of the Freightliner and Sequoia were not injured and were able to drive their vehicles from the scene.
Investigators from Troop I of the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the crash and are continuing to evaluate contributing factors, including road surface conditions and vehicle speed. Traffic in the area was temporarily slowed as emergency responders worked to clear the interstate.
We send our best wishes for a full recovery to those injured and commend the quick response by all rescue personnel involved.
Interstate Chain-Reaction Crashes in Missouri
Accidents like the one that occurred along I-44 in Laclede County highlight the dangers that adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic pose on Missouri highways. The initial hydroplaning incident involving the Freightliner led to a series of impacts—demonstrating how quickly multi-vehicle crashes can escalate when visibility or traction is compromised.
Hydroplaning is a significant hazard, particularly during or after rainstorms, and is one of the leading causes of single-vehicle loss of control. When that type of event occurs on a high-speed interstate like I-44, the potential for secondary collisions grows rapidly as drivers behind have less time to respond or stop.
The situation on Tuesday resulted in injuries to both a semi-truck passenger and a driver of a smaller passenger vehicle. The severity of these injuries further illustrates how vulnerable vehicle occupants are in multi-vehicle scenarios—especially when safety restraints are not used. The 25-year-old male in the Peterbilt was not wearing a seatbelt, a factor that may have contributed to the seriousness of his condition.
The Missouri Department of Transportation and highway safety agencies continually advise drivers to reduce speed during wet conditions, maintain greater following distances, and avoid sudden lane changes or braking. In chain-reaction crashes, even well-spaced vehicles can become involved due to delayed reaction times and unpredictable movement from hydroplaning or impact forces.
After a serious crash, injured individuals may face weeks or even months of recovery, including hospital stays, therapy, and time away from work. Navigating the aftermath also involves insurance coordination and potential legal steps to ensure fair support for medical and financial needs.
If you’ve been affected by a crash on a Missouri highway, taking quick action to document the event and seek care is essential to protecting your well-being.
Were you or a loved one involved in a crash like the one on I-44 near Laclede County? These multi-vehicle accidents can be life-altering, but you don’t have to navigate the recovery alone. Local Accident Reports is here to guide you through the next steps—whether it’s finding medical support, understanding your legal rights, or simply making sense of what comes next. Reach out to us today and let our team help you move forward with clarity and care.
