Lincoln County, MO (December 07, 2024) – A fatal crash occurred early this morning at approximately 2:10 AM on Highway 79, south of Route JJ, in Lincoln County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2001 Ford Taurus, driven by a 36-year-old male from Elsberry, MO, was traveling northbound when the vehicle left the roadway. The car traveled down an embankment and struck a tree.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by a Lincoln County paramedic at 2:21 AM. A 29-year-old male passenger from Elsberry, MO, who was wearing a safety device, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Lincoln County Ambulance District to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
The Ford Taurus was totaled and was towed from the scene by Jackson Towing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but it appears that the vehicle’s loss of control led to the fatal collision.
Fatal Crash in Lincoln County, Missouri
The crash on Highway 79 serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with vehicles leaving the roadway, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. In this case, the Ford Taurus veered off the road, down an embankment, and collided with a tree, which resulted in the fatal injury of the driver. Despite wearing a safety device, the passenger also sustained moderate injuries, highlighting the importance of seatbelt use in mitigating injury severity during crashes.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are looking into potential contributing factors, including road conditions, driver behavior, or mechanical failure. The response by emergency personnel, including Lincoln County paramedics, was swift in providing care and managing the scene.
This incident underscores the importance of staying attentive and cautious while driving, particularly on rural roads or in areas where the roadways may be challenging to navigate. Using safety devices, such as seatbelts, remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in accidents.
Local Accident Reports will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time, and we wish the injured passenger a full recovery.