Head on crash sends 3 adults, 2 toddlers to the hospital

Five people, including two toddlers, were seriously injured in a car crash Saturday evening in Phelps County.

The crash happened around 5:20 p.m. on Highway 8 just outside of St. James.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Autumn Cannaday, 30, of Beach, North Dakota, was driving westbound in the eastbound lane. Another car drove into the westbound lane to avoid hitting Cannaday. But according to the crash report, Cannaday drove back to the westbound lane and hit the car head on.

She along with a 4-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy were flown to the hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the other car, James Gruver, 50, and his passenger, Janet Gruver, 56, both of Steelville, were also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

According to the crash report, everyone was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The Highway Patrol was assisted by the St. James Fire Department, St. James Police Department, Rolla Police Department, Phelps County EMS and Steelville Ambulance.