A head-on collision occurred on Highway 169 at Avenue City early Thursday morning, resulting in severe injuries to both drivers. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 7:47 a.m. on August 1, 2024.
The accident involved a 2015 Kia Sportage driven by Joshua L. Pike, 34, of King City, Missouri, and a 1999 Peterbilt 379 driven by Raymond R. Younger, 50, of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to extensive damage.
The crash occurred as Pike, traveling southbound on Highway 169, attempted to pass another vehicle and entered the northbound lane, colliding head-on with Younger’s Peterbilt. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the south side of the roadway and come to rest in the grass, with the Kia facing west and the Peterbilt facing east.
Pike sustained serious injuries and was transported by Life Flight to Truman Medical Center. Younger also suffered serious injuries and was initially transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care before being transferred to Research Medical Center.
Both drivers were reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The accident was investigated by Corporal S.J. Force of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with assistance from Commercial Vehicle Officer J.E. Lawrence and the Andrew County Sheriff’s Department.
