Several people were seriously injured in the three-vehicle accident just before 3 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 63 in Licking.
Licking Police Chief Scott Lindsey reported that a 2007 Freightliner truck driven by Robert Barnes, 42, of St. Charles, was traveling northbound near College Avenue when it rear-ended a 1994 Ford Ranger driven by James C. Jennings, 74, of Success, causing it to hit a guardrail and overturn. Barnes’ truck then crossed the centerline and hit a southbound 2012 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Donald E. Branstetter, 82, of St. James, causing it to go down an embankment and overturn.
In a report issued Wednesday afternoon, Lindsey said Jennings and a passenger – Roger L. Hill, 67, of Licking – were both seriously injured (the extent of the injuries isn’t known). Jennings was reportedly wearing a seatbelt, but Hill wasn’t and was partially ejected.
Branstetter sustained moderate injuries, but a passenger – Sharon K. Nieman, 72, of Pocahontas, Ark., was seriously injured (extent unknown). Both were wearing seatbelts, according to Lindsey.
Barnes and a passenger – Roderick Warren, 26, of Ferguson – were each wearing seatbelts and were not injured.
Investigation of the incident was led by LPD Cpl. P.W. Burton, who was assisted by Lindsey and two LPD officers. Also responding to the scene were personnel from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Licking Fire Department, Texas County Sheriff’s Department and Houston Rural Fire Department Rescue Squad.
A pair of medical helicopters also responded. A third helicopter transported one from Texas County Memorial Hospital to another facility.