CLINTON COUNTY, Mo. — A devastating crash involving three vehicles left five people seriously injured Thursday evening in Clinton County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The accident happened just before 7 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Missouri Route 116, between Gower and Smithville. Troopers reported that a 2021 Honda CR-V failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling east on Route 116, striking a southbound 2023 Ford Mustang on Route 169. The force of the impact caused the Mustang to collide with a northbound 2024 Chevrolet Traverse.

Emergency crews responded immediately to the chaotic scene, where all five individuals involved were found with serious injuries. The driver of the Honda, a 59-year-old woman from Jefferson City, was transported to a nearby hospital. In the Mustang, a 32-year-old Smithville woman and her 13-year-old passenger both suffered severe injuries. Two Kansas City residents in the Traverse, a 61-year-old driver and a 63-year-old passenger, were also seriously hurt.

All five victims were rushed by ambulance to local hospitals for emergency treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.

Authorities closed the busy intersection for several hours Thursday night as first responders worked to assist victims, clear the wreckage, and investigate the crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident and has urged drivers to remain vigilant at intersections, where failure to yield is one of the leading causes of serious crashes across the state.

The Clinton County community remains shaken by the incident, and thoughts are with the injured victims and their families as they begin the difficult road to recovery.