A three vehicle accident on westbound Highway 60, just one mile west of Mountain Grove, shut down traffic completely for a few hours on Nov. 30.
The accident took place around 6:30 p.m. when a 1989 Chevy 3500, driven by Marlin Reese, 73, of Vanzant, slowed down to make a turn. His vehicle was then struck from behind by a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by Christopher Wright, 39, of Springfield. This led to a 2006 Kenworth semi carrying turkey breast deli meat striking Wright’s vehicle. The semi, driven by Patrick Masonbrink, 57, of Papillion, Neb., eventually turned on its side and completely blocked both lanes of traffic. A MoDOT sign was also damaged in the wreck.
Wright was the lone driver to suffer minor injuries and he was taken by ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He reportedly was not wearing a safety device. Neither Masonbrink or Reese suffered injuries. The report noted Masonbrink wearing a safety device and it was unknown for Reese.
The Mountain Grove Fire Department noted there was the local fire department, two ambulance services, two wrecker services, three law enforcement services and MoDOT that responded to the scene of the accident.
In a MGFD Facebook post, the department noted that seat belts saved lives in this event.
