Frightening Crash on Highway 63 Injures 6 People [Phelps County, MO]

Phelps County, MO (July 20, 2026) — Six people suffered injuries, including two who were seriously hurt, after a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 63 in Phelps County on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after 5 p.m. when a northbound 2006 Chevrolet 1500 on Highway 63 near Faulkner Drive crossed the centerline and sideswiped an oncoming semi-truck. The pickup then collided with a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and a 2015 Kia Optima traveling in the opposite direction.

The pickup’s 16-year-old driver, a 10-year-old passenger, and another occupant sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. A 7-year-old girl riding in the truck suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia.

The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Malibu, ages 43 and 41, also sustained injuries and were transported to Phelps Health Hospital. The 54-year-old driver of the Kia Optima suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital for treatment.

Investigators reported that only the two child passengers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

Focus on the Road

Millions of people take to the roads for work, school, errands, or leisure. While many of these trips are uneventful, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Traffic accidents can change lives in an instant, causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.

Wearing your seatbelt is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself in an accident. It can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50%.

Similarly, texting, talking on the phone, eating, or doing anything else that takes your eyes off the road for even a second can have disastrous consequences. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Always drive cautiously and be aware of road conditions to prevent accidents. Quick and safe responses can save lives in emergencies.

Seat belts save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in crashes. Every occupant should buckle up before every trip, regardless of seating position or travel distance. Staying properly restrained and driving attentively can help prevent serious injuries on the road.

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