4-year-old injured in three-vehicle crash

A 4-year-old girl from Mansfield suffered moderate injuries in a three-vehicle crash Sunday in Webster County.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Lynn Michelle, 22, of Mansfield was driving a 2003 Kia Optima west on U.S. 60 in Seymour when it failed to stop and struck the rear of a stopped vehicle.

It struck a 2001 Toyota driven by Genia Jaruis, 50, of Nixa. Upon impact, that vehicle struck the back of another stopped vehicle, a 2004 GMC truck driven by Rickey Jarius, 58, of Nixa.

Michelle suffered minor injuries and Danyale Morton, 4, a passenger in Michelle's vehicle, suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to Cox South hospital.

The drivers of the three vehicles were wearing seat belts, but the 4-year-old was not in a car seat, the patrol reported.

The two vehicles struck from behind were driven from the scene, but Michelle's vehicle sustained extensive damage and had to be towed from the scene.

The accident happened at 1:40 p.m. Sunday.

The Springfield News Leader

www.news-leader.com

Sunday, January 22, 2012 11:00 p.m.