Pulaski County, MO (September 1, 2026) – A man and woman were airlifted after a pursuit ended in a serious wreck early on Sunday morning in Pulaski County.
The accident happened around 12:05 a.m. on Texas Rd. A pickup driven by a 25-year-old St. Robert woman was traveling east when it left the roadway and struck two trees.
The truck returned to the road, then left it again and entered a ditch. Both the driver and an occupant were ejected from the pickup.
Both people were flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. The initial report indicates that seat-belt use was noted among the occupants, although the available account does not clearly specify who was wearing one.
The crash followed a reported shots-fired call on Texas Rd. Deputies located the pickup after it failed to stop, leading to a pursuit before the vehicle went off the roadway.
Names were being withheld pending the release of additional information. The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under review.
We hope both injured people make a full recovery.
What Factors Can Make a Pursuit-Related Crash More Serious?
Vehicle pursuits can create added risks because speeds, traffic conditions, and driver decisions may change quickly. A vehicle that leaves the roadway can encounter trees, ditches, utility structures, or other fixed objects.
Occupant protection is another major factor. Seat belts help keep people inside the passenger compartment during sudden stops, while airbags can provide additional protection during a severe impact.
Ejection from a vehicle can increase a person’s risk because the body may strike the roadway, another object, or the vehicle itself. Proper restraint can reduce the likelihood of being thrown from the passenger compartment.
Road conditions, visibility, vehicle speed, and the surrounding terrain can also affect the severity of a roadway accident. Medical evaluation is often needed after an ejection because some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
