Pike Co, MO (January 25, 2026) – A rear-end collision involving two large commercial vehicles occurred on Saturday afternoon along US-61, just south of Route UU, leaving one driver injured and prompting a response from local and state authorities.
The accident took place on January 24 at approximately 2:07 p.m. when a northbound 2018 Freightliner SD122 collided with the rear of a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) vehicle actively engaged in snow removal. According to investigators, the driver of the Freightliner failed to maintain a proper lookout in lane one, resulting in the front of the vehicle striking the back of the MoDOT-operated 2018 Western Star 47X.
Both trucks veered off the left side of the highway and came to rest in the median. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed by Heartland Towing. The MoDOT vehicle, which suffered minor damage, was driven from the scene.
The MoDOT driver, a 33-year-old man from Vandalia, MO, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained injuries. He was transported by Pike County Memorial Hospital Ambulance to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Freightliner’s driver, a 50-year-old male from Waterloo, IA, was uninjured.
MSGT A. Mayer of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C is handling the investigation with assistance from CPL G. Leach and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not announced any citations but emphasized the importance of exercising caution around snow removal equipment on active roadways.
We extend our thoughts to the injured MoDOT operator and wish him a quick recovery.
