St. Francois County, MO (August 29, 2025) – A woman from Bonne Terre sustained minor injuries Wednesday afternoon when her vehicle veered off Upper Blackwell Rd and struck railroad tracks while attempting to avoid an oncoming car in her lane. The incident occurred around 3:12 p.m. just east of Cole Rd.
According to a report by Troop C of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 46-year-old woman was driving a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE eastbound on Upper Blackwell Rd when an unidentified vehicle approached from the opposite direction. The unknown westbound vehicle was partially in the eastbound lane, prompting the woman to swerve right in an effort to prevent a head-on collision.
As she maneuvered off the roadway, the front end of her Ford struck a set of nearby railroad tracks. The impact caused moderate damage to her vehicle, which had to be towed from the scene by Marler’s Towing. The other driver did not stop and was last seen leaving the area westbound.
Emergency medical personnel from the Valley Mines Ambulance District responded to the scene and transported the injured woman to Parkland Hospital in Bonne Terre. Her injuries were classified as minor. Authorities are working to identify the second vehicle involved and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
We wish the injured driver a smooth and speedy recovery during this difficult time.
Single-Vehicle Avoidance Accidents in Missouri
Avoidance-related crashes—where a driver takes emergency action to prevent a collision with another vehicle—can still result in significant damage or injury. This was the case on Upper Blackwell Rd, where a Bonne Terre woman sustained injuries after steering her vehicle off the road to avoid a car traveling in her lane.
Narrow, rural roads such as those in St. Francois County often lack adequate shoulder space or visibility, making evasive maneuvers risky. The driver in this incident was faced with a split-second decision when the westbound vehicle partially crossed into her path. While her actions likely prevented a head-on crash, the resulting impact with nearby railroad tracks caused moderate damage and led to a hospital visit.
Missouri law requires drivers to maintain their lane and yield the right of way where appropriate. Failing to stay in one’s designated lane, particularly on two-lane roads without a center barrier, creates dangerous situations. Unidentified or hit-and-run drivers pose an added challenge, as they leave injured parties without immediate recourse.
This case also highlights the importance of roadway awareness and the necessity of reporting incidents involving reckless or evasive behavior. The identity of the westbound driver remains unknown, which could impact the injured woman’s ability to recover damages or file an insurance claim without additional investigative findings.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution, especially on roadways like Upper Blackwell Rd, where visibility and lane adherence are critical for everyone’s safety. If you’ve been involved in an accident where the other driver fled or was unidentified, legal and medical guidance may be essential in securing the support you need.
Accidents involving unknown vehicles can leave victims feeling isolated—but help is available. At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to connecting injured individuals and their families with the resources needed to move forward. Whether you’re navigating recovery or seeking information after a hit-and-run or evasive crash, we’re here to assist. Contact us today to learn more about your options and next steps.
