BUTLER, MO – A Bates County Sheriff’s Deputy sustained minor injuries Wednesday evening following a vehicle accident on Interstate 49 while responding to an emergency call.
On April 1, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the deputy was dispatched to a reported accident involving a pregnant female south of Butler. While traveling southbound on I-49, the patrol vehicle encountered standing water and began to hydroplane.
The deputy’s vehicle struck the rear of a southbound tractor-trailer at approximately 70-75mph. The impact caused extensive damage to the patrol unit, which was later towed from the scene by R&B Tow of Butler. The tractor-trailer involved sustained only minimal damage.
Incident Details:
• Medical Status: The deputy appeared to have sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bates County Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
• Road Conditions: Heavy rainfall led to an extraordinary increase in hydroplaning incidents and slide-offs along the interstate throughout the evening.
• Operational Response: Additional staffing was called in to manage the surge in weather-related traffic calls.
The investigation into the collision is currently being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists that even experienced drivers need to exercise extreme caution during heavy rainfall and to reduce speeds when standing water is present on the roadway
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