An early afternoon two-vehicle crash today (March 21) in Festus sent both drivers to hospitals with critical injuries, authorities report.
Police were notified at 1:23 p.m. about the collision, which occurred in the 900 block of North Fifth Street, Festus Police Chief Tim Lewis said.
He said a 21-year-old Crystal City man, driving a 2001 GMC SUV, struck a 2013 Mazda minivan, driven by Deborah Bishop, 53, Crystal City.
“She was westbound turning left into a driveway when the GMC came up behind her and crashed into her,” Lewis said.
He said charges will be considered against the man.
“We’re looking at least at careless and imprudent driving,” Lewis said.
He will not be named unless charges are filed.
The impact sent the minivan into a nearby yard, stopping just short of a house. The SUV flipped onto its side, Lewis said.
“They had to use a Jaws of Life tool to get him out,” he said.
Lewis said Bishop was wearing a seat belt, but he didn’t know if the other driver was.
Festus Fire Chief Chuck Boyer said the man was taken by helicopter to Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur and the woman was taken by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County.
Boyer said both drivers had critical injuries.
Neither vehicle carried passengers, he said.