Two people were injured Friday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash in Howard County.
The crash happened around 4:35 p.m. on August 28, 2026, on eastbound U.S. 40 near County Road 467. A 2012 Ford Fusion crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, then swerved back into the westbound lane.
After swerving back, the Ford was struck by a 2026 Kenworth T880. The Ford then began to spin and was struck by a 2021 Subaru Forester.
The driver of the Ford and the driver of the Subaru both suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken by EMS to local hospitals.
All three vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene. The Ford came to rest in a ditch, the Subaru came to rest in the eastbound lane, and the Kenworth came to rest in a field.
Center-line crashes can become dangerous within seconds because they put drivers in opposing lanes at immediate risk. When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic and then swerves back, nearby drivers may have little time to understand what is happening, slow down, or avoid impact.
This crash shows how one loss of control can create a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. Drivers have a responsibility to stay alert, remain in their lane, and maintain control of their vehicle at all times. Crossing the center line is not a small roadway mistake when it places other drivers directly in danger and causes multiple vehicles to be totaled.
Conduct that causes a vehicle to enter oncoming traffic, spin, and be struck by multiple vehicles should be taken seriously and addressed under the law. Innocent drivers should not be forced into a crash because another vehicle failed to stay safely within its lane.
All facts reported upon herein are based on preliminary investigation and reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol. If you have additional information that may be related to the prosecution of this case, please contact A.W. Smith Law.
