A head-on crash on Nature Avenue south of Route H in Saline County left one person dead and another seriously injured Sunday evening, after a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu failed to negotiate a curve and collided with a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado. The wreck happened just after 6:20 p.m., according to ABC17NEWS, bringing a violent end to what had been an otherwise ordinary Sunday drive on the stretch of roadway northwest of Boonville.
According to the KSHB 41 Kansas City report, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said the Malibu was headed southbound on Nature Avenue shortly before 6:30 p.m. when it failed to negotiate a curve and struck the Silverado head-on. The Malibu was totaled in the impact, while the Silverado sustained moderate damage, per ABC17NEWS.
The Malibu was driven by a 72-year-old man who suffered serious injuries, the patrol said, per the Kansas City station's account. He had a 71-year-old female passenger riding with him at the time of the crash.
Conflicting Accounts of the Woman's Death and the Other Driver's Injuries
The two outlets covering the crash differ on exactly when and where the 71-year-old woman died. KSHB's report states she died at the scene, while ABC17NEWS reports she was pronounced dead at the hospital at 7:22 p.m. Both the woman and the 72-year-old man were taken by ambulance to Fitgibbon Memorial Hospital, according to that same outlet.
The two reports also diverge on the condition of the 34-year-old Silverado driver. KSHB's account says the driver suffered moderate injuries, while ABC17NEWS reports the driver was not hurt in the crash. Hoodline is presenting both versions as reported, since neither account has been independently reconciled.
Seat Belt Use and an Investigation Still Underway
ABC17NEWS reports that the woman and the Silverado driver were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, though it remains unknown whether the 72-year-old man had his on. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, according to the station's report on the Highway Patrol's findings.
No further details about the investigation, the identities of those involved, or additional findings from the Missouri State Highway Patrol have been released at this time.
