At approximately 5 a.m. Sunday, a minivan traveling near Rich Hill, Missouri, veered off a bridge on SE 2275 and landed upside down in the Marais Des Cygnes River below. The incident prompted a swift emergency response involving multiple agencies due to concerns about the occupants’ safety amidst the partial submersion of the vehicle.
Emergency Teams Respond to Vehicle Submerged in River
Authorities including Rich Hill Fire Department, Bates County Deputies, and Bates County EMS quickly arrived at the scene. Missouri State Highway Patrol and Butler Fire were notified to assist further. The Butler Fire Department dispatched an ice water rescue team immediately after the call due to the hazardous conditions.
“A vehicle left the roadway, went off a bridge, and landed on its roof, becoming partially submerged. Butler Fire was dispatched immediately following the initial call to deploy an ice water rescue team.— RICH HILL FIRE DEPT
Details on the Occupants and Their Injuries
The 2000 Ford Windstar contained four individuals who were all taken to medical facilities for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. The driver, a 20-year-old man from El Dorado Springs, Missouri, suffered minor injuries. Two passengers, an 18-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man both from Harrisonville, Missouri, endured serious injuries. The remaining passenger, a 22-year-old male from Belton, Missouri, also had minor injuries.
Sequence of the Crash Provided by Authorities
The vehicle was heading northbound on SE 2275 when it lost control and left the roadway. It came to rest overturned in the Marais Des Cygnes River, as described by Corporal R.J. Hastings of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A in the Bates County Zone.
“Crash occurred as [Ford Windstar] was traveling NB, lost control and went off the roadway coming to a rest in the Marais Des Cygnes River.“— CPL R.J. Hastings of Troop A, Bates Co Zone
Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
Rich Hill Fire shared dramatic images showing Jay’s Southland Tow using a large wrecker to pull the submerged minivan from the river. Emergency crews worked diligently to secure the scene and provide aid to the injured. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the exact causes.
Community Alert and Follow-Up Reporting
This event remains a developing story, with further updates anticipated from local outlets including KOAM News Now and Joplin News First. The response highlights the crucial coordination between fire, law enforcement, and rescue teams in managing dangerous incidents involving waterways near Rich Hill.
