Carter County, MO — February 3, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 6:30 p.m. on eastbound U.S. Route 60.

Authorities said a 2020 Ford Fusion collided with a vehicle being towed by a 2009 Dodge pickup just east of Ellsinore.

The Ford driver, a 21-year-old woman whose name has not been made public at this time, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash, which still is being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves a vehicle colliding with another that is being towed, one of the key questions is whether the towing setup was safe and legal. In this case, it’s unclear how the impact occurred.

One of the first things investigators should determine is how the towed vehicle was attached to the Dodge. Was it being hauled on a trailer, or was it being flat-towed with a tow bar or tow strap? Improper or makeshift towing methods can create serious hazards, especially at highway speeds. Investigators should also check whether proper lighting and warning signals were in place, as a towed vehicle without working brake lights can be difficult for approaching drivers to see.

Another important factor is whether the towed vehicle moved unpredictably before the crash. If the towing equipment failed or was improperly secured, the towed vehicle could have swayed into the path of the Ford Fusion. Investigators should look for signs of equipment failure, such as broken hitch components or tire marks indicating loss of control.

Visibility also plays a role in these types of crashes. If the crash happened after sunset or in low-light conditions, investigators should determine whether the setup had functioning lights and reflectors to alert approaching drivers.

At this stage, authorities have not provided details on what led to the collision. A full investigation should focus on the towing method, equipment condition and whether the towed vehicle was being hauled in a way that met safety requirements.