Three Teens Injured After SUV Crashes While Avoiding Animal in Road

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mo. — Three teenagers were taken to the hospital late Sunday night after an SUV crashed along U.S. Highway 65 in Livingston County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, about three miles west of Avalon.

Investigators say a 2011 GMC Terrain was traveling northbound when it struck an animal in the roadway. Following the impact, the SUV crossed the center line, left the west side of the highway, and crashed through a fence before striking a large boulder.

The driver, a 16-year-old girl from Chillicothe, and two 18-year-old female passengers were transported by Chillicothe EMS to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Their conditions have not been released.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that none of the three occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The Patrol no longer publicly identifies crash victims by name.