Lebanon, MO (July 26, 2026) – A 10-year-old girl from Illinois succumbed to injuries after a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of MO 5 and Orchard Drive in Laclede County on Friday afternoon, July 24.
The collision occurred around 1:04 p.m. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 76-year-old Lebanon woman was driving one vehicle when she turned onto MO 5 and entered the path of another vehicle. The second vehicle struck her vehicle, crossed the roadway, and then collided with a third vehicle.
The 10-year-old passenger in the second vehicle, from Geneseo, Illinois, suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Hospital Springfield, where she later died. The driver of that vehicle, a 34-year-old Geneseo man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach.
The 76-year-old driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Lake Regional Hospital. The driver of the third vehicle, a 71-year-old Columbia woman, also suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital Lebanon. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we wish the injured a swift recovery.
What Factors Are Reviewed After a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash?
Fatal multi-vehicle crashes are reviewed by examining vehicle movements, roadway conditions, and available evidence from the scene. Investigators may analyze damage patterns, traffic flow, and each driver’s actions to better understand how the collision occurred.
Safety equipment, such as seat belts, can help reduce the severity of injuries during crashes. Reviews may also include vehicle conditions and other factors that can provide more information about the events leading up to a serious collision.
