Van Buren, MO (August 18, 2025) – A tragic collision occurred Saturday afternoon just east of Van Buren in Carter County, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The crash happened around 2:12 p.m. on August 16 along US Highway 60, approximately a quarter mile east of town.
Emergency responders from Van Buren and multiple surrounding agencies rushed to the scene after a 2011 Kia Optima collided with a 2012 Ford F-350. According to investigators with Troop G, the driver of the Kia, a 61-year-old woman from Williamsville, failed to yield to the westbound pickup. The Ford struck the Kia, and both vehicles crossed the center of the road and veered off the left shoulder.
Despite life-saving efforts, the 61-year-old woman was pronounced dead at Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital at 5:24 p.m. Her passenger, a 63-year-old woman from High Ridge, suffered minor injuries and was flown by air ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau for treatment.
In the Ford F-350, a 67-year-old female passenger from Florence, AZ, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital by East Carter County Ambulance. Two male occupants, both 68 years old—one from Florence, AZ, and the other from Raphine, VA—suffered minor injuries and were taken to the same facility by Washington County EMS.
Both vehicles sustained severe damage and were removed by Mike & Ike’s Towing of Van Buren at the request of state troopers. This tragic incident marks the 23rd fatal crash in Troop G’s jurisdiction in 2025, up from 15 at the same point last year.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased and all those injured during this heartbreaking event.
Fatal Car Accidents in Missouri
Fatal crashes on Missouri roadways—especially in rural regions like Carter County—continue to pose a serious threat to public safety. The incident east of Van Buren serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can change due to a momentary lapse in roadway judgment, such as failure to yield.
In this case, the collision occurred as the Kia Optima entered the path of the Ford F-350, resulting in a high-impact side crash. Yield-related accidents are among the most deadly, often giving other drivers little to no time to react. The Missouri State Highway Patrol regularly cites failure to yield as a leading cause of fatal crashes across the state.
Missouri’s rural highways, including US 60, frequently see elevated crash severity due to higher speed limits and fewer controlled intersections. These factors increase the risk of high-speed impacts and reduce survivability, especially when vehicles leave the roadway after the initial collision, as happened in this case.
The scale of this incident—one fatality and four individuals injured, including a medevac patient—highlights the long-term ripple effects such accidents can have on victims, their families, and the local healthcare system. Not only must families face grief and recovery, but they also must navigate insurance claims, legal steps, and often long-term care.
Data from Troop G reveals a troubling upward trend in traffic fatalities this year, with 23 recorded deaths compared to 15 at this time in 2024. This rise underscores the urgent need for continued investment in driver education, rural road safety, and enforcement efforts targeting failure-to-yield and distracted driving behaviors.
For families dealing with the aftermath of such tragedies, resources are available to help ease the burden. From medical support to legal guidance, it’s important to seek help as early as possible to understand your options and begin the process of recovery.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious crash in Missouri, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide immediate access to information, resources, and professional support tailored to your needs—because no one should face the aftermath of a fatal accident alone. Reach out today for the help you deserve.
