At 6:00PM on July 5th, an extremely frightening accident occurred in Laclede County, Missouri, that claimed one life and injured eight others. At that time, a Nissan Rogue was traveling northbound on Highway 5, near Lake Shore Drive, when it began to hydroplane. During and after hydroplaning, the Rogue spun around and crossed the center line, entering into the path of a Ford F-150 traveling southbound. Because the Rogue was in the wrong lane, the Ford struck its rear, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway.
In the Ford F-150, three individuals sustained serious injuries, including one juvenile. Three additional occupants of the truck were reported to have minor to moderate injuries. All six individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In the Nissan Rogue, three adults sustained very serious injuries as a result of the crash, while another person suffered minor injuries. All four were also taken to the hospital. Tragically, one of the adults from the Rogue passed away nearly two hours after the collision due to the extent of their injuries.
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, causing the driver to lose control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million crashes each year in the United States, with thousands resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, avoid sudden steering inputs, and ensure tire tread is adequate when driving in wet weather conditions.
Highway 5 is a commonly traveled route through Laclede County and, like many rural roads in Missouri, can become particularly hazardous during periods of heavy rain or poor drainage. Wet surface conditions significantly increase stopping distance and reduce traction—especially on undivided highways where there is limited separation between opposing traffic lanes.