Five injured, one seriously, in crash on Route HH Saturday evening

A four- vehicle crash injured five people on Rt. HH, about 2 miles east of Carterville, just before 6 p.m. Saturday evening.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by  53-year-old Kathi M. Lee of Joplin was trying to make a right turn when a 2004 Dodge Ram  driven by 20-year-old Elijah R. Housh  of Carthage struck the rear of a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by  20-year-old Kyle L. Florer of Carthage.

The Florer car then crossed the centerline and hit an oncoming westbound 2006 Honda Ridgeline driven by 84-year-old Lawrence E. Thomas of Carthage. His vehicle ran off the road and overturned.

The Housh vehicle then hit the Lee vehicle which slammed into a stop sign.

Housh, occupant Zachary Nichols, Lee, Lawrence  E. Thomas and occupant Florence E.Thomas were injured.

Lawrence E. Thomas’s injuries were described as serious. The other four had moderate or minor injuries.

All five were transported to local hospitals for treatment