Minivan Crashes Off Bridge Near Rich Hill, Lands Upside Down in River

Emergency crews respond to rescue occupants and investigate the cause of the incident.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A minivan traveling near Rich Hill, Missouri, veered off a bridge on SE 2275 and landed upside down in the Marais Des Cygnes River below, prompting a swift emergency response involving multiple agencies due to concerns about the occupants' safety amidst the partial submersion of the vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of road safety and emergency response coordination in rural areas, where accidents near waterways can pose significant risks to occupants and require a swift, multi-agency effort to manage.

The details

Authorities including Rich Hill Fire Department, Bates County Deputies, and Bates County EMS quickly arrived at the scene. Missouri State Highway Patrol and Butler Fire were notified to assist further, with the Butler Fire Department dispatching an ice water rescue team immediately. The 2000 Ford Windstar contained four individuals who were all taken to medical facilities for treatment of injuries, with the driver suffering minor injuries and two passengers enduring serious injuries.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Rich Hill Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the incident and coordinated the emergency response.

Bates County Deputies

The local law enforcement agency that assisted in the emergency response.

Bates County EMS

The local emergency medical services that provided medical care to the injured occupants.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Butler Fire Department

The neighboring fire department that dispatched an ice water rescue team to assist in the emergency response.

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What they’re saying

“A vehicle left the roadway, went off a bridge, and landed on its roof, becoming partially submerged. Butler Fire was dispatched immediately following the initial call to deploy an ice water rescue team.”

— Rich Hill Fire Department (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Crash occurred as [Ford Windstar] was traveling NB, lost control and went off the roadway coming to a rest in the Marais Des Cygnes River.”

— Cpl. R.J. Hastings, Troop A, Bates Co Zone, Missouri State Highway Patrol (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the exact causes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of road safety and emergency response coordination in rural areas, where accidents near waterways can pose significant risks to occupants and require a swift, multi-agency effort to manage.