Traffic Crash

Traffic was delayed in the southbound lanes Highway 61, one mile north of LaGrange, on Jan. 31, 2024 because of an accident involving a car and tractor. Sandy Eccles, 77, of Canton, Mo., was driving southbound when the 2002 Toyota Echo she was driving collided with the rear of a 2023 John Deere tractor, operated by Jeffery D. Mayes, 41, of Ewing, Mo. The crash occurred approximately 8: 39 a.m. Traffic was backed up for several miles after the accident. Eccles received severe injuries and was transported by Lewis County Ambulance to Blessing Hospital and later moved to a Columbia, Mo. Hospital. Both drivers were reported to be wearing seatbelts.

Missouri Highway Patrol was also assisted at the scene by The Missouri Department of Transportation, LaGrange Police Department, Canton Fire Department, and LaGrange Fire Department. The Eccles vehicle was totaled and towed from the scene.

Fundraising efforts for Eccles are being planned and more information will be published in a future edition.