A front view of the Barry-Lawrence Ambulance that failed to stop and collided with two vehicles, including another Barry-Lawrence ambulance, on Friday. Chad Hayworth/Newton County News Two Barry-Lawrence County Ambulance District ambulances received damage in a three-vehicle collision at 4:08 p.m. on Friday on Highway 60, three miles east of Neosho at Highway 59.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Murray Bishoff
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the ambulances were eastbound on Highway 60 and approached a 2001 Ford Windstar SUV, driven by Joshua Gose, 30, of Springfield, that had stopped in traffic to make a left turn onto Highway 59. The first ambulance, driven by Shala Bass, 25, of Diamond, slowed to stop, but was struck in the rear by the second ambulance, driven by Jesse Merritt, 25, of Aurora. The impact pushed the first ambulance into the rear of Gose's SUV before traveling off the south edge of the roadway. The ambulance driven by Merritt continued east and also collided with the SUV.
All three drivers were wearing seat belts and were transferred to Joplin hospitals for treatment. Merritt had moderate injuries while Bass and Gose received minor injuries.
Gose's SUV received moderate damage. Merritt's ambulance had extensive damage. Bass's ambulance had moderate damage. Both were 2013 Chevrolet rigs.
The Barry-Lawrence Ambulance District has four ambulances in service, plus a fifth ambulance that was going to be sold. Mike Bennett, district board president, said the vehicle up for sale will be put back into service. The district will continue to answer calls with its two full-time crews, and has a back-up vehicle available if needed.