Three people were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash in Howard County.
The crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on August 19, 2026, on MO-87, about 0.16 miles south of MO-187. A 2013 Ford Explorer was traveling southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The Ford then overturned.
After the impact, the Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway and was struck by a northbound 2011 Ford Fusion.
All three drivers suffered serious injuries. Two were taken by EMS to local hospitals, while the Ford Explorer driver refused transport.
The Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Equinox were totaled, and the Ford Fusion sustained moderate damage. All three vehicles were towed from the scene. The crash report states that all three drivers were wearing safety devices.
Center-line crashes are extremely dangerous because they place a vehicle directly into oncoming traffic. Drivers traveling in their own lane may have little time to react when another vehicle suddenly crosses into their path. In this crash, the initial impact forced another vehicle off the roadway, where it was then struck by a third vehicle.
This crash shows how quickly one vehicle leaving its lane can create a chain reaction. Drivers have a responsibility to stay alert, maintain control, and remain in the proper lane. Crossing into oncoming traffic is not a minor mistake when it causes multiple serious injuries and totals vehicles.
The drivers in the northbound lane were placed in danger by a vehicle entering their path. Conduct that causes a center-line crash and leads to serious injuries should be taken seriously and addressed under the law.
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.
