Carthage, MO (July 29, 2026) – Two people were hurt in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of MO 96 and Old 66 Boulevard near the Carthage city limits on Monday, July 27. The crash happened around 12:40 p.m. in Jasper County.
According to the report, a 2003 Nissan Altima was slowing to make a left turn when it turned into the path of a westbound 2023 Kia Sportage. The vehicles struck each other, leaving both severely damaged. The Altima was totaled, while the Sportage sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the roadway by a towing service.
A 96-year-old woman driving the Altima and a 68-year-old woman riding in the Sportage were both reported with moderate injuries. Each was taken to Mercy Hospital in Joplin for treatment. An 80-year-old man driving a Sportage was reported to have been wearing a seat belt, and no injuries were listed for him.
The cause of the wreck remains under review as investigators continue to gather and examine the available evidence. We wish those hurt a full and speedy recovery.
Why Left-Turn Collisions Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Left-turn collisions often happen when one driver misjudges the speed or distance of an approaching vehicle. These crashes frequently occur at intersections, where traffic from multiple directions must be monitored simultaneously. Even at moderate speeds, the force of a side-impact or front-end collision can cause significant harm to vehicle occupants.
Several factors may contribute to this type of collision, including limited visibility, driver distraction, weather conditions, or difficulty judging gaps in traffic. Seat belts can reduce the risk of severe harm, but they cannot prevent every injury. Investigators often review vehicle positions, roadway markings, witness statements, and physical evidence to determine how a left-turn collision occurred. These findings can provide a clearer picture of the sequence of events while helping identify contributing factors.
