Wayne County, MO — July 1, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 8:08 A.M. on US 67.

According to reports, a Buick Regal operated by a 20-year-old man was traveling south on US 67 when it lost control for unknown reasons and left the roadway where it overturned and caught fire.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. No other vehicles were involved in the collison, and authorities have not released the identity of the deceased.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle rolls over and catches fire without any other cars involved, it immediately raises the question: what caused the driver to lose control in the first place? Without that answer, it’s impossible to know whether the crash was avoidable—or if something deeper went wrong.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
A single-vehicle rollover that ends in fire demands a comprehensive investigation. That includes examining the vehicle’s path off the road, checking for signs of sudden movement or braking, and determining whether the driver made any last-second corrections. Investigators should have mapped the scene, studied any tire marks, and assessed whether the driver might have experienced a medical event or distraction. These steps are only effective if the team on scene had the training and tools to do the job thoroughly.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Mechanical failure can trigger a loss of control long before any crash becomes visible. A steering malfunction, brake failure, or tire separation could easily cause a rollover—especially in a vehicle traveling at highway speed. The fact that the Buick caught fire after overturning raises additional concerns about fuel system integrity and whether a design or maintenance issue played a role. Without a full mechanical inspection, these factors often go unnoticed.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Regal may have captured key pre-crash data through onboard systems, including speed, braking, steering input, and stability control activity. That data can reveal whether the vehicle behaved as expected or if something malfunctioned. GPS or phone records might also provide insight into what was happening just before the crash. This kind of information is time-sensitive—if it hasn’t already been preserved, it may be too late.

When a crash leaves more questions than answers, the only way forward is through a full, methodical review. Anything less risks overlooking something that could matter in understanding what truly happened.

Takeaways:

• Rollover crashes with fire require in-depth investigation beyond visual clues.
• Mechanical issues and fuel system failures must be examined through inspection.
• Vehicle data can clarify the driver’s actions and any system responses before the crash.