Lancaster, MO — April 24, 2025, Two people were killed following a car accident that occurred at around 10:45 A.M. on Hwy 136.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people dead during the morning hours of April 24th. According to official reports, a Dodge Dakota was eastbound on Highway 136 while a Toyota Rav4 was traveling westbound, when for unknown reasons the two vehicles collided head-on.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver of the Dodge had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, while the driver of the Toyota was critically injured and they were transported to the hospital for treatment where they later died. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the accident or the identities of those involved, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a head-on collision that claims two lives, it’s a stark reminder that getting to the bottom of what happened isn’t just important—it’s essential. Even when the broad facts are known, a serious crash like this demands that we ask three critical questions: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? And has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, it’s important to think about how the investigation was handled. A crash that results in fatalities should always prompt a full accident reconstruction, careful documentation of the roadway, and interviews with any available witnesses. That means identifying tire marks, debris patterns, and vehicle resting positions to understand exactly how the collision unfolded. However, depending on the available resources and the training of the investigating agency, not every crash scene gets the comprehensive review it deserves. If important steps are missed, we risk overlooking factors that could change how the crash is understood.

Next, it’s critical to ask whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. When two vehicles collide head-on "for unknown reasons," it’s natural to wonder if something more than driver error was involved. Could the Dodge Dakota or the Toyota Rav4 have experienced a mechanical failure, such as a steering or brake malfunction? Modern vehicles are filled with complex systems that, when they fail, can cause a driver to lose control without warning. Unfortunately, identifying a defect usually requires a detailed forensic examination, and once a vehicle is repaired, moved, or destroyed, that opportunity can be lost forever.

Finally, there’s the matter of electronic data. Both vehicles likely had event data recorders that stored vital information about the seconds leading up to the crash—data like speed, braking, throttle position, and steering input. In addition to what’s stored inside the vehicles, nearby surveillance cameras, dash cams, and cell phone records might also provide valuable evidence. But electronic evidence isn’t automatically preserved. Unless steps are taken quickly to secure it, it can be overwritten or lost, making it much harder to piece together exactly what happened.

Two lives were lost in this crash, and those who knew and loved them deserve more than just broad strokes or assumptions. A crash investigation isn’t truly complete until every meaningful question has been answered: whether the authorities did all they could, whether a vehicle defect was ruled out, and whether all available electronic evidence was collected. When so much is at stake, getting the full truth is the least we owe to those affected.