Two people were killed Thursday morning in a three-vehicle crash in Laclede County.
The crash happened around 7:01 a.m. on October 22, 2026, on Highway 5 near Kingsbrook Road, about one mile north of Lebanon. A southbound 2022 Kia Forte crossed the center of the roadway and sideswiped a northbound 2019 Ford F-150 before striking a 2018 Toyota Tacoma head-on.
The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was taken by EMS to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The report did not list any injuries to the Ford driver.
Both the Kia and Toyota were totaled, while the Ford sustained moderate damage. All three vehicles were towed from the scene. The report states that all three drivers were wearing safety devices.
Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions because vehicles traveling in opposite directions can collide with tremendous force. When a driver crosses the center line, approaching motorists may have little time or space to react, particularly when another vehicle is already directly in their path.
Drivers have a responsibility to remain alert, stay within their lanes, and maintain control of their vehicles. Crossing into oncoming traffic can cause multiple collisions and place innocent motorists at immediate risk of serious injury or death.
When a wrong-lane crash results in fatalities, the circumstances should be carefully reviewed to determine what caused the vehicle to cross the roadway. If another driver’s negligence contributed to a fatal collision, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other losses allowed under Missouri 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.
