A Thursday afternoon drive on Highway 7 turned deadly near Climax Springs, when a pickup crossed the center line and slammed into another truck head-on, killing a 45-year-old woman from Edgewater, Colorado and injuring three others. Emergency crews pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Investigators say none of the occupants in either vehicle were restrained and both trucks were totaled.
According to ABC17/KMIZ, the crash involved a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado that crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2012 Ford F450. The outlet reports that multiple people were taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital.
Who Was Hurt
According to MSHP Troop F on X and the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, one person was pronounced dead at the scene and multiple people were injured. The report lists a 29-year-old Lake Ozark man, the driver of the Ford F450, with moderate injuries, a 40-year-old Camdenton man with serious injuries, and a 34-year-old Newburg man with moderate injuries. All three were transported to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance.
Where It Happened
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that the crash occurred on Highway 7 at Gypsum Drive, near the Dollar General in Climax Springs. Deputies and state troopers shut down the roadway while investigators worked the scene and tow crews removed the wreckage, according to the sheriff’s post.
Seat Belts And Safety
The Highway Patrol’s crash report notes that none of the people involved were wearing seat belts. Missouri’s statewide observed seat belt use was about 87% in the 2023 survey, per MoDOT, a figure officials often point to when urging restraint use on rural two-lane roads. Safety officials say unrestrained occupants face a much higher risk of death or serious injury in head-on collisions.
What’s Next
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. ABC17/KMIZ notes that MSHP reports typically do not name crash victims, and the outlet reports that the deceased’s body was taken to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton. Authorities have not released any information about possible impairment or potential charges as the investigation continues.
