2 hurt in U.S. 65 crash that sends truck plunging into Blackwater River

Two men were hurt, one seriously, in an accident involving a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck about 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Blackwater River bridge on U.S, 65.

Malcom L. Wolfe, 39, of Omaha, was seriously injured, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. He was transported by air ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia.

James D. Jones, 49, of Marshall, received moderate injuries, troopers said, and was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital by Sweet Springs ambulance.

The accident occurred when Wolfe, driving a 2006 Mack truck, swerved to miss Jones -- who was following a farm tractor in a 1989 Ford pickup truck with hazard lights activated, according to the report.

As he swerved, Wolfe lost control of his truck and began to slide, striking the bridge railing. As the tractor traveled onto the bridge railing, the trailer struck Jones' vehicle, troopers said.

Wolfe's truck then plunged off the bridge into the Blackwater River, according to the report.

Jones was wearing a safety belt, troopers said, but it was unknown whether Wolfe was.

Three troopers received assistance from Saline County Sheriff's Department deputies, Marshall police and fire departments, Sweet Springs Fire Department and Slater ambulance crews.

The investigation continues, according to the report.