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East Prairie Today
By the People, for the People
One Seriously Injured in St. Francois County Box Truck Crash
A 22-year-old woman was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital after the box truck she was riding in struck a swinging pole gate.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A serious crash involving a box truck on Ozark Road in St. Francois County left one woman critically injured and flown to a St. Louis hospital Wednesday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 1:45 p.m. when a 2020 Ford box truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a swinging pole gate, causing extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.
Why it matters
Crashes involving commercial vehicles like box trucks can often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles. This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and proper safety precautions for both commercial and passenger vehicles on rural roads.
The details
The driver of the box truck, a 22-year-old man from East Prairie, was not injured in the crash. However, a 22-year-old female occupant from Kennett suffered serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for treatment. The driver was not wearing a safety device at the time of the crash, and the truck was towed from the scene.
- The crash happened around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2026.
The players
Missouri State Highway Patrol
The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and provided details about the incident.
22-year-old man from East Prairie
The driver of the 2020 Ford box truck who was not injured in the crash.
22-year-old woman from Kennett
The passenger in the box truck who suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of commercial vehicle drivers and passengers using proper safety equipment and exercising caution on rural roads, as crashes involving large trucks can often result in severe injuries.
