***update***
To follow up on the injured deputy from todays accident at mile marker 118 on Interstate I70.
Deputy Larry Marshal was transported to the Bates County Memorial Hospital by a fellow deputy to allow the available ambulances to transport the 5 occupants of the car that struck the patrol vehicle. Deputy Marshal was inside the patrol vehicle assisting the Rich Hill Fire Department with traffic while they fought a fire in the median.
Rich Hill Fire Personnel ran over to the two vehicles within second of the impact. Rich Hill Fire was able to assist the Deputy with exiting the vehicle. At the same time the second Firefighter advised them there were multiple occupants including children in the burning vehicle.
Once out of the vehicle, Deputy Marshal went to work with the Rich Hill Firefighters and Missouri Highway Patrolman in extracting the children and two adult passengers in the vehicle. The fire was extinguished and all the occupants were safely removed from the vehicle and transported to different trauma centers.
Deputy Marshal has been released from the Hospital in remarkably good shape, so far with minimal injuries at this time.
Sheriff Anderson said, "I am truly grateful for the very minor injuries sustained by Deputy Marshal. Deputy Marshal had some really strong angels around him today. We appreciate the fast action of the Firefighters at the scene. I would be remiss if I didn't say how proud I am of Deputy Marshal. This courageous man was just rear-ended at what we believe was 70mph. Gathered his thoughts and composure. He was helped out of his Tahoe and then he went to work to save the kids and their parents ignoring his own injuries. His actions and who he is, is a perfect representation of all the men and women of the Sheriff's Office. With all vehicle accidents we will see how he is feeling in the next couple days. But for today, Larry Marshal, the Firefighters of Rich Hill Fire and the Corporal from the Missouri State Highway Patrol are Hero's"
We want to thank the Bates County EMS, Vernon County EMS, Rich Hill Police Department, Butler Fire Department and Life Flight Eagle who came to our aid today. We also want to Thank Chevrolet for building a product that helps protect our Deputies during crashes like this.
The accident and its cause is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
We offer prayers to the occupants of the vehicle involved and pray for speedy recovery.
