Two people are in serious condition following a three-vehicle collision in Chariton County on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred around 5:17 p.m. on Highway 24, approximately four miles east of Salisbury.
A 2023 Kia Forte, traveling eastbound, struck the rear of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, prompting the Jeep to veer into the oncoming lane and collide head-on with a Dodge Caravan.
The 18-year-old woman driving the Kia, from Salisbury, and a 55-year-old Moberly woman behind the wheel of the Dodge sustained critical injuries.
The Salisbury woman was transported to University Hospital by EMS, while the Moberly woman was airlifted by MU1.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol noted that the 18-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, though both other drivers were secured.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident, and lane closures were reported during the emergency response.