Vehicles collide south of Fairfax

A two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Hwy. 59 four miles south of Fairfax, Missouri, July 28, 2026, at 9:25 a.m. The accident took place as a 2023 Ram 2500 and a 2020 Freightliner tractor trailer were both southbound on Hwy. 59. The Ram began to slow, with the turn signal activated, to turn eastbound onto 290th Street. The semi began to overtake the Ram and the right front of the semi impacted the driver’s side of the Ram. Both vehicles came to a controlled stop and pulled into a field.

The 55-year-old male driver of the Ram, who was from Savannah, Missouri, was wearing a seat belt but suffered minor injuries and was transported to Community Hospital-Fairfax by an Atchison-Holt ambulance. The 43-year-old male driver of the Freightliner, from Schleswig, Iowa, did not report any injuries at the scene. He was also wearing a seat belt. The Ram was totaled and towed from the scene by Double M Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.

The accident was investigated by Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper R.K. Mott, who was assisted by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Service.

Two semis collided on Interstate 29 in southern Atchison County Tuesday, August 4, causing an inferno and a road closure that lasted hours. Although both drivers were seriously injured, there were no fatalities, in part to the quick response from fellow interstate travelers who rendered aid until help could arrive. (James Thompson photos)

Semis collide on I-29 causing inferno and road closure

Interstate 29 was closed for several hours Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in southern Atchison County following a fiery crash between two semis. The wreck occurred on northbound I-29 at the 100.2 mile marker, one mile north of Corning, Missouri, at 1:30 p.m. A 2020 Volvo tractor trailer was northbound on I-29 and a 2026 Freightliner tractor trailer was stationary on the east shoulder of the roadway facing north. The Volvo travelled off of the east side of the roadway and the front right bumper impacted the rear towed unit of the Freightliner. The Volvo travelled off of the west side of the roadway and came to rest in the median facing north on its wheels. The Freightliner came to rest on its wheels facing north in the east ditch. Both vehicles caught fire.

The 50-year-old female driver of the Volvo, who was from Galloway, Ohio, was wearing a seat belt but suffered serious injuries. The 64-year-old male driver of the Freightliner, who was from Laplace, Louisiana, was not wearing a seat belt and suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported to Mosaic by Atchison-Holt ambulances. Both semis were totaled and towed from the scene by Double M Towing and Benefiels. As a result of the crash, parts of the interstate were closed for a few hours.

The accident was investigated by Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Trooper R.K. Mott, who was assisted by Lt. M.P. Quilty, Sgt. S.J. Cool, Cpl. N.J. Greiner, Cpl. A.M. Mapel, Tpr. C.R. Kinman, Tpr. N.M. Newland, C.V.O. J.E. Lawrence, and C.V.O. B.M. Grier, all with the MSHP, the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Service, Rock Port Volunteer Fire Department, Atchison County first responders, and numerous other rescue personnel and other drivers who provided aid before help could arrive.

Motorcyclist injured in wreck

A motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries in a crash August 5, 2026, in Atchison County. The wreck occurred near the U.S. Hwy. 136 and Route J intersection 2.5 miles east of Rock Port at 1:40 p.m. when a 2003 Honda motorcycle was westbound on 136 and failed to navigate a curve. The motorcycle travelled off the northbound side of the roadway and overturned. The 28-year-old male driver from St. Joseph, Missouri, was ejected. The motorcycle came to rest off the north side of the roadway on its side facing south.

The driver, who was wearing a helmet, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Community Hospital-Fairfax in Fairfax, Missouri, by an Atchison-Holt ambulance. The 2003 Honda motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was released from the scene to a family member.

The accident was investigated by Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper R.K. Mott, who was assisted by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and Atchison-Holt Ambulance Service.