At 8:37 a.m. Thursday morning a 1999 Ford Explorer, driven by Frankie L. Menefee, 23, of Bland, Mo., was traveling eastbound on Mo. hwy 8 and traveled off the right side of the roadway. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Menefee then over-corrected and slid off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a sign and a ditch before overturning.
The vehicle came to rest on its top at 17095 hwy 8/68, leaving the driver and four passengers trapped until rescue crews got there.
Menefee’s two children, an infant and a four-year old, where in the vehicle at the time of the accident and were restrained by safety belts. Kathleen S. Perkins, 31, of Bland, and her 11-year old daughter were also in the vehicle. Neither were wearing seatbelts.
All of the vehicles occupants were transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment. Perkins is currently being treated for moderate injuries, the others appeared to have only sustained minor injuries.
The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene.
Menefee was cited for failure to drive on the right half of the roadway and was also given two citations for failure to wear seatbelts.
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, St. James Police, St. James Fire Protection and St. James Ambulance all responded to the scene.
