In an incident that unfolded Sunday evening on Highway B, one mile south of St. Francisville, Missouri, a fatal accident claimed the life of a Kahoka woman and left two others injured. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that at approximately 8:10 p.m. on March 31, 2024, a collision occurred involving a 2002 GMC Savana and a 2022 GMC Sierra.
According to the accident report, the GMC Savana, driven by 70-year-old John L. Briggs of Kahoka, Missouri, failed to yield at a stop sign and entered the path of the southbound GMC Sierra, driven by a 17-year-old female from Kahoka, Missouri. The Sierra struck the passenger side of the Savana, leading to extensive damage to both vehicles, which were later towed from the scene.
Linda L. Smith, a 71-year-old passenger in the Savana, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Clark County Coroner Ed Wilson at 8:40 p.m. The driver, John L. Briggs, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Fort Madison Community Hospital by Clark County Ambulance. Another passenger, Riva A. Weir, 56, from Keokuk, Iowa, incurred serious injuries and was airlifted to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, for treatment.
All individuals involved in the crash were not utilizing seat belts at the time of the accident, except for the teenage driver of the GMC Sierra, who was reported to have been wearing a seat belt.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, assisted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Clark County Ambulance, Wayland Fire and Rescue, and Clark County Fire and Rescue, responded to the scene.