On January 28, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a serious accident occurred in Owensville, Missouri, involving a dump truck that collided with a residential home.
The driver, a 70-year-old male from New Haven, Missouri, experienced a medical episode, leading to the crash. The incident tragically resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries.
Detailed Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | January 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. |
| Location | 305 East Lincoln Avenue, Owensville, MO |
| Driver | 70-year-old male from New Haven, MO |
| Cause of Accident | Medical episode leading to loss of control |
| Injuries | One fatality; two serious injuries |
| Vehicle Involved | 2006 Western Star Dump Truck |
| Seat Belt Usage | Driver was not wearing a seat belt |
Crash Sequence
- Initial Incident: The dump truck was traveling westbound on Highway 28 near Third Street when the driver experienced a medical episode, causing him to veer off the right side of the road.
- Impact with Structures: The vehicle struck a utility pole, a concrete parking post, a tree, and ultimately collided with the residence located at 305 East Lincoln Avenue.
- Casualties:
- Fatality: Donald Fuchs, an 84-year-old male occupant of the home, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Injuries: Linda Fuchs, an 82-year-old female occupant, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, by ambulance.
- Driver’s Condition: The 70-year-old driver suffered serious injuries and was also taken to Mercy Hospital.
Emergency Response
Emergency responders, including the Owensville Fire Department, extricated the driver from the truck’s cab, a process that took approximately 30 minutes.
Multiple fire districts and emergency services assisted at the scene.
Driver’s Statement
Following the incident, the driver reported that he had blacked out and was unaware of the events leading up to the crash.
Safety Recommendations
- Medical Fitness to Drive: Individuals with known medical conditions should regularly consult healthcare providers to assess their fitness to operate vehicles safely.
- Seat Belt Usage: Wearing seat belts is crucial for all occupants, as they significantly reduce the risk of injury in accidents.
This incident underscores the importance of being vigilant about one’s health and its potential impact on driving abilities. It also highlights the necessity for wearing seat belts to mitigate injury risks.
Our condolences go out to the Fuchs family and all affected by this tragic event.