Matthews, MO (July 30, 2026) – Two people were injured in a traffic accident on Highway 61 in Matthews early on Tuesday morning, July 28. The collision was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. in New Madrid County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2025 Ford Maverick driven by a 73-year-old Matthews man failed to yield to a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu operated by a 45-year-old woman from Lilbourn. After the vehicles collided, the Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway.
The woman was taken by ambulance to Missouri Delta Medical Center with minor injuries. The Matthews man was also taken by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center with moderate injuries. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the roadway.
The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain under investigation as more information becomes available. We wish both injured drivers a smooth and complete recovery.
Why Failure-to-Yield Crashes Frequently Result in Injuries
Failure-to-yield collisions commonly occur at intersections, driveways, and highway crossings when one driver enters another vehicle’s path. Because these crashes often happen with little time to react, they can result in significant vehicle damage and injuries.
Investigators typically review traffic signs, right-of-way rules, vehicle positions, witness statements, and physical evidence from the roadway to determine how the collision occurred. They may also examine visibility, weather, and any contributing roadway conditions. Drivers can help reduce the risk of these crashes by slowing as they approach intersections, checking carefully for approaching traffic, and ensuring it is safe to proceed before entering another lane or crossing a highway.
