AUDRAIN COUNTY, MISSOURI — A 48-year-old Chicago truck driver died Wednesday morning after his tractor-trailer ran off the road, struck a ditch, and caused the cargo to shift and crush the cab near the intersection of Route J and Audrain County Road 481 near Laddonia.
Missouri State Highway Patrol
The crash occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. on April 1, 2026. The westbound 2011 International LF627 tractor-trailer, insured under Pam’s Enterprise Inc., ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. The vehicle came to rest facing west. The cargo shift struck the cab during the rollover. The tractor-trailer driver was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:24 a.m. by Dr. Pelican. Next of kin has been notified.
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Trooper J.W. Cox of Troop F investigated the crash, assisted by Sgt. R.S. Thompson, Cpl. S.M. Campbell, and Trooper T.R. Hecker. A-1 Towing of Mexico, Missouri responded to the scene. This marks Troop F’s first fatality for April and the 12th for 2026.
The roadway remained blocked as of Wednesday morning while crews worked to clean up the tractor-trailer from the scene.
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