A 16-year-old teen driver was airlifted with critical injuries after a rollover crash on a gravel road east of Marshall, Missouri.
The accident, which took place late Thursday night on April 10, 2025, involved a 2007 Saturn Aura that lost control on loose gravel, resulting in a dramatic single-vehicle collision.
Three teenagers were involved, with one facing life-threatening injuries and two others suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, especially on gravel roads.
Details of the Rollover Crash
The crash occurred at approximately 11:50 p.m. near the intersection of Lime Ave. and Water Mill Rd., just east of Marshall.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver, a 16-year-old girl from Marshall, was operating a 2007 Saturn Aura when she lost control of the vehicle on the loose gravel.
According to authorities, the car began to skid and veered off the left side of the road, hitting a ditch that caused the vehicle to flip. First responders quickly arrived at the scene, where they discovered the extent of the crash.
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 11:50 p.m., April 10, 2025 |
| Location | Lime Ave. and Water Mill Rd., east of Marshall |
| Vehicle Involved | 2007 Saturn Aura |
| Driver | 16-year-old girl from Marshall |
| Injuries | Driver: Airlifted to University Hospital with life-threatening injuries |
| Passengers | 15-year-old girl and 19-year-old boy taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries |
Injuries and Medical Response
The 16-year-old driver was airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, with life-threatening injuries.
Her condition was described as critical. Meanwhile, the two passengers, a 15-year-old girl and a 19-year-old boy, were both transported to Fitzgibbon Hospital with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.
The 19-year-old passenger was found to have been the only one properly restrained with a seatbelt during the crash, which likely contributed to his less severe injuries compared to the unrestrained passengers.
The vehicle, however, was totaled due to the significant damage caused by the rollover.
Investigation and Road Conditions
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. Authorities have determined that the 16-year-old driver lost control of the car while driving on loose gravel, which is a common hazard on rural roads.
These roads can pose a particular risk, especially in inclement weather or during high speeds.
The Missouri Highway Patrol emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, particularly on gravel roads, which can cause vehicles to skid more easily.
Seatbelt use was also highlighted, as the 19-year-old passenger, who was properly restrained, suffered fewer injuries than the others in the vehicle.
Key Safety Takeaways
- Gravel Roads: Gravel roads can be treacherous, particularly at night or in adverse conditions. Drivers should adjust their speed and stay vigilant when driving on these surfaces.
- Seatbelt Use: Always wear a seatbelt. The 19-year-old passenger who was properly restrained suffered serious injuries but avoided the more severe life-threatening injuries sustained by the driver and the unrestrained passenger.
- Young Drivers: Teenagers and new drivers are more prone to making mistakes. Driver education and safe driving habits are crucial for preventing accidents like this one.
The tragic rollover crash in River Bend, Missouri, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that young, inexperienced drivers face on rural roads.
The 16-year-old driver’s critical injuries highlight the importance of caution and responsible driving, especially on gravel roads.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, and the incident underscores the need for better education on road safety, particularly for young drivers.