KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An 81-year-old woman from Oak Grove was killed in a collision in Pettis County on Thursday afternoon, according to reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 3:22 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Chevalier Road, located just outside the small town of La Monte.
According to the official crash report, the woman was driving a Lexus northbound on Chevalier Road when she failed to stop at a posted stop sign. As a result, her vehicle entered the path of a GMC Yukon traveling east on U.S. 50. The Yukon struck the Lexus, causing both vehicles to veer off the roadway.
Authorities said the Yukon continued forward after the impact, eventually leaving the highway and coming to rest in the median. The Lexus also ran off the road following the collision. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and found the driver of the Lexus gravely injured. Despite efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been made public, pending notification of her family.
Officials confirmed that no other injuries were reported as a result of the accident. The occupants of the Yukon did not require medical treatment, according to the highway patrol’s initial findings.
The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance to troopers at the crash site, helping manage traffic around the intersection while investigators examined the scene. The area was temporarily disrupted as crews worked to clear the wreckage and gather evidence.
Investigators will continue reviewing the circumstances that led to the crash. This includes analyzing roadway conditions, vehicle damage, and any other contributing factors. As of Thursday evening, no further details had been released, and the crash remains under active investigation.
The intersection of U.S. 50 and Chevalier Road is a well-traveled area that connects rural Pettis County communities to larger towns in the region. Accidents at intersections with stop signs, particularly when drivers fail to yield, are a frequent concern for law enforcement agencies. Troopers often use incidents like this one to remind drivers of the importance of paying close attention to traffic signals and roadway signage.
The loss of life underscores the risks faced by motorists, particularly at highway intersections where traffic speeds are higher. While the cause of the woman’s failure to stop has not been determined, authorities are expected to release more information once the investigation is complete and after notifying her family.
The tragic crash has left Oak Grove and Pettis County residents saddened, particularly given the victim’s age. Local officials extended condolences to her loved ones while stressing continued caution for all drivers traveling along U.S. 50 and surrounding roadways.
For now, the case remains open, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol leading the investigation and the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office assisting as needed. Updates are expected once further details are confirmed.
