Local News
Mike Elbert, Rachel Elbert and their 10-year-old daughter killed in head-on Franklin County crash
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — A tragic two-vehicle crash in Franklin County on Monday night claimed the lives of three individuals, including a 10-year-old child, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
The collision occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. along Missouri Route 100, east of Dundee Road.
Preliminary findings from MSHP indicate that a 2011 Nissan Sentra, traveling eastbound, crossed over the center line for reasons that remain under investigation and collided head-on with a westbound 2020 Ford Explorer.
Following the impact, the Ford Explorer was forced off the right side of the roadway and came to rest in a nearby ditch.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and began lifesaving efforts.
Authorities confirmed that three occupants of the Nissan—all from Hermann, Missouri—were involved in the crash.
They have been identified as 47-year-old Mike Elbert, 42-year-old Rachel Elbert, and their 10-year-old daughter.
Both adults were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The child was transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 70-year-old woman from New Haven, Missouri, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
The loss has had a profound impact on the local community.
The 10-year-old victim was a student at Hermann Elementary School, while Mike Elbert served as a volunteer assistant football coach at Hermann High School.
In response to the tragedy, the Gasconade County R-1 School District deployed additional counseling services to support students, staff, and families.
“It is definitely a sad day for that family—a sad day for our school district,” Superintendent Dr. Geoff Neill said in a statement.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.