New Madrid, MO (January 21, 2026) – A 19-year-old woman from East Prairie suffered injuries on Tuesday afternoon following a rear-end collision on Highway 80, approximately one mile east of Matthews, according to reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at around 3:20 p.m. as both vehicles were traveling eastbound. Authorities state that a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by the 19-year-old, failed to stop in time and struck the rear of a 2012 GMC Acadia driven by a 33-year-old woman from Sikeston.
Due to the impact, the Chevrolet sustained total damage and was removed from the scene by JSH Towing, while the GMC was moderately damaged and towed by Lowes Towing. The teen driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau for treatment of injuries.
The driver of the GMC did not report any injuries at the scene. Sgt. J. C. Cooksey led the investigation into the accident, which remains under review.
We wish the injured young woman a speedy and full recovery as she continues to heal from this incident.
