Two Salem residents were killed Tuesday evening in a three‑vehicle crash on Highway 32 near Highway P in Dent County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m. as an eastbound 2020 Ford Escape, driven by a 45‑year‑old Salem man, was stopped and waiting to make a left turn.
Investigators say an eastbound 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, driven by a 17‑year‑old male from Bunker, failed to yield and struck the rear of the Escape. After the initial impact, the Dodge crossed the centerline and collided head‑on with a westbound 1973 dune‑buggy.
The dune‑buggy’s driver, a 60‑year‑old Salem man, and his passenger, a 59‑year‑old Salem woman, were both pronounced dead at the scene at 5:56 p.m. by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull.
The juvenile driver of the Dodge and the Ford driver were wearing safety devices and were not listed as injured.
