Two Fatalities and One Seriously Injured in Devastating Head-on Collision

A devastating collision on M Highway north of U Highway intersection resulted in two fatalities and one seriously injured.

Sept. 14, 2023, Ray County, MO – A fatal head-on collision occured Thursday evening on M Highway, just 0.2 miles north of the U Highway intersection in rural Ray County. The tragic incident resulted in two fatalities and left one individual seriously injured. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Communications Officer, Sergeant Andy Bell, the crash occurred at the crest of a hill.

Per the MSHP Crash Report, the crash involved a 1998 Kenworth Tractor, driven by 21-year-old Lance C. Adams of Excelsior Springs, MO, and a 2006 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck, driven by 51-year-old Michael J. Christie, also from Excelsior Springs, MO.

Upon impact, the Chevrolet 2500 caught fire, killing both Christie and his passenger, 49-year-old Jeffery S. Coleman. Adams, the semi-truck driver, sustained severe injuries and was life-flighted to Truman Medical Center.

According to the MSHP Crash Report, the accident took place when the Chevrolet 2500 crossed the center of the roadway and collided head-on with the Kenworth tractor. Both vehicles were totaled and were towed from the scene.

Due to the severity and complexity of the crash, MSHP’s special investigations unit was called to the scene. The unit took extra measures to ensure accurate identification of the deceased, as the fire complicated the process. “This is a particularly challenging investigation, especially given the fire,” said Sergeant Bell.