GREENE COUNTY, Mo. — A three-vehicle accident in Walnut Grove on Thursday, August 28, resulted in one man losing his life and left two others injured, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
The crash occurred around 4:45 p.m. on State Highway 123 near Washington Avenue. Investigators say the collision unfolded when a 2006 Ford Mustang, traveling north, attempted to pass a 2011 Cadillac SRX SUV. While overtaking, the Mustang encountered a southbound 2006 Chevrolet Express van in the opposite lane. In an effort to avoid a head-on crash, the driver of the Mustang swerved but ended up hitting the Cadillac. The impact forced the Cadillac off the road, while the Chevrolet then collided directly with the Mustang.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene. Tragically, the driver of the Mustang, a 55-year-old Walnut Grove resident, was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. His name has not yet been released by authorities pending notification of next of kin.
The Chevrolet Express had two passengers — a 28-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy, both from Aldrich, Missouri. They sustained moderate injuries in the crash and were transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment. No updates have been provided regarding their current condition, though officials indicated that their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The driver of the Cadillac, fortunately, escaped without any reported injuries despite being struck during the chain reaction of collisions. Authorities noted that the vehicle sustained damage but the driver was able to avoid serious harm.
Following the crash, the Missouri State Highway Patrol shut down a portion of the highway to conduct their investigation and clear the wreckage. Traffic in the area was delayed for several hours as crews worked to reopen the roadway safely.
Officials highlighted that this incident marks the 82nd traffic-related fatality for MSHP Troop D in 2025, underscoring the ongoing concern over roadway safety in the region. Troopers are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash, including factors such as speed, visibility, and possible driver error. No official statement has been made about whether impairment or distracted driving played a role.
The community of Walnut Grove has been left reeling from the loss of one of its residents in what authorities describe as a tragic and preventable event. Crashes involving attempted passes on two-lane highways are known to carry significant risks, particularly when traffic is heavy or sightlines are limited.
Authorities continue to encourage motorists to exercise caution and patience when overtaking slower vehicles, reminding drivers that misjudging speed or distance can have devastating consequences.
As the investigation continues, MSHP is urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward with information that could assist in understanding the sequence of events.
This tragic accident adds to a growing number of fatal crashes across Missouri this year, highlighting the importance of road safety awareness and defensive driving practices.
