Miller County, MO (May 14, 2025) – A serious two-vehicle crash on Missouri Route 42 late Tuesday morning sent three individuals to the hospital with varying injuries. The incident occurred around 11:21 a.m. just west of Osage Acres Road, prompting emergency medical responses from both Miller County EMS and Osage Beach EMS.
Initial reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicate the crash was caused when a 2011 Buick LaCrosse attempted a left turn and entered the path of an oncoming 2005 Ford F-150. The vehicles collided head-on, resulting in extensive damage to both and requiring removal by Osage Auto and Towing and Hi-Tech towing services, respectively.
Inside the Buick, a 53-year-old man from Osage Beach suffered injuries and was transported to Lake Regional Hospital. The Ford F-150 carried two individuals from Kaiser—its 73-year-old male driver and a 69-year-old female passenger. Both were unrestrained at the time of the crash. The passenger sustained moderate injuries, while the driver suffered injuries. Both were also transported to Lake Regional Hospital for further care.
Troop F’s Cpl. M.L. Rice conducted the investigation, confirming that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the Buick initiated a turn directly into the F-150’s lane. The highway remained partially blocked as crews worked to render aid and clear the scene.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they begin their recovery.
Left-Turn Crashes in Missouri
Crashes involving left turns across traffic, like the one on MO-42 in Miller County, are a well-documented hazard on Missouri roadways. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous because they often result in head-on or side-impact crashes at speed—both of which carry a high risk for injury.
In this case, the collision occurred when the eastbound Buick LaCrosse turned across westbound traffic, directly into the path of a Ford F-150. The fact that the Ford occupants were not wearing seatbelts contributed to the severity of their injuries. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, failure to yield when turning left remains a leading cause of serious crashes, especially on rural and high-speed roads like Route 42.
Miller County has seen a number of similar incidents in recent years, especially in areas with limited sight distance or unclear turn signage. Motorists are urged to make left turns cautiously, using designated turn lanes when available and waiting for clear gaps in oncoming traffic. The decision to turn should always be made with enough time to avoid forcing other drivers to brake or swerve suddenly.
In addition to safe driving practices, consistent seatbelt use is vital. The unrestrained passengers in this crash suffered greater harm than the belted driver of the Buick, reinforcing the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts—even on short trips or familiar roads.
For those affected by crashes like this, the aftermath can bring both physical and financial challenges. From hospital stays and follow-up care to navigating insurance or compensation issues, the road to recovery may be long.
When unexpected collisions leave you or a loved one hurt, Local Accident Reports is here to help guide your next steps. Our team can connect you with trusted resources, provide answers, and support your recovery process. Don’t face the aftermath alone—reach out today to learn what support is available to you.