A woman and an infant were seriously injured Monday morning in a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck in Linn County.
The crash happened around 11:45 a.m. on June 8, 2026, on U.S. 36 approximately one mile south of Bucklin. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2014 Kia Sorento failed to yield at a stop sign and entered the path of a westbound 1999 Freightliner.
The 23-year-old driver of the Kia suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. An infant male passenger also suffered serious injuries and was transported to a children’s hospital for treatment.
The Kia was totaled and towed from the scene. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was also towed.
Crashes involving semi-trucks can be especially severe because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Even when another vehicle enters a truck’s path, the truck driver’s speed, attentiveness, and ability to respond to changing roadway conditions can affect the outcome of the collision and the severity of the injuries that result.
This crash highlights the importance of careful operation by commercial drivers. Truck drivers encounter intersections, side roads, and vehicles entering traffic every day. They have a responsibility to maintain a proper lookout, manage their speed, and operate their vehicles in a manner that allows them to react safely when hazards arise. Commercial drivers operate some of the largest vehicles on Missouri roadways, and conduct that contributes to a serious injury collision involving a commercial vehicle should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
All facts reported upon herein are based on preliminary investigation and reporting done by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. If anyone has additional information that may be relevant to the prosecution of this case, please contact A.W. Smith Law.
