An accident occurred on Highway E, six miles southeast of Princeton, Missouri, on July 19, 2024, at approximately 3:55 p.m. The collision involved a 2010 Chevrolet HHR and a 2023 GMC 3500.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash took place when the Chevrolet HHR, driven by Rachel L. Franklin, 43, of Princeton, Missouri, crossed the center line while traveling westbound, moving into the eastbound lane. The GMC 3500, driven by Eldo E. Eaglen, 27, of Milan, Missouri, attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the left. Despite this effort, the passenger sides of both vehicles were impacted.
The GMC 3500, which sustained moderate damage, traveled off the north side of the roadway, coming to rest on its wheels facing north. The Chevrolet HHR, with extensive damage, rotated off the south side of the roadway and came to rest facing east. Subsequently, the Chevrolet caught fire.
Franklin, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious injuries and was transported by LifeFlight Eagle to St. Luke’s of Kansas City. Eaglen, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained no reported injuries. Both vehicles were towed from the scene; the GMC 3500 by Schroff Towing of Bethany, and the Chevrolet HHR by Hagan Tow of Princeton.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County Ambulance, Mercer County Fire Department, and LifeFlight Eagle assisted at the scene.
