Vehicle Swerves To Avoid Mowing Tractor, Causing Accident, Delay On Interstate 44

A driver swerved to avoid a mowing tractor on Interstate 44 on Wednesday afternoon, leading to an accident and causing a delay.

One person had minor injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the accident occurred eastbound at the 233 mile-marker between Stanton and St. Clair.

According to the highway patrol, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jackyln Blanford, 54, Cuba, was in lane one. Bradford was followed by a 2016 Freightliner driven by Rohit Manhas, 29, Ontaria, Canada. 

When the mowing tractor came off the shoulder, a 2021 International driven by Jonny Moschos, 37, Rolla, swerved left to avoid it. 

It also forced Blanford to swerve left.

The Freightliner simultaneously hit Blanford’s vehicle and the International.

The right side of Blanford’s vehicle was pushed into the left side of the International.

A passenger in the Silverado — Gary Blanford, 57, had minor injuries. He was taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital for treatment.

None of the drivers were reportedly injured and all were wearing safety devices.

Blanford’s vehicle received total damage.