An Owensville man was seriously injured in an Aug. 20 three-vehicle crash which killed the second motorists in a chain-reaction incident on a rain-slickened Phelps County highway.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper J.N. Rigsby’s report of the incident on Highway 68, 13 miles south of St. James, noted Corey R. Wilson, 31, Owensville, was driving north on Highway 68 in  2003 Chevrolet Impala when the driver in front of him was struck head on by a southbound 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Melissa Allison, 43, of Rolla, was driving the pickup when she hydroplaned and crossed the centerline into the path of a 1999 Buick Regal being driven by Ellen C. Walker, 67, of Winona, Mo. Allison’s pickup overturned and struck Wilson’s vehicle.

Walker was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash which was reported at 5:05 p.m. after heavy rainfall was reported in the St. James and surrounding area that afternoon.

Wilson was transported by St. James ambulance for treatment at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

Allison also suffered serious injuries, according to the MSHP report. She was transported by Mercy Air helicopter ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia. It was unknown if Allison was wearing a seat belt. Wilson was restrained, according to the MSHP report as was Walker. All three vehicles were towed from the scene.

Walker’s body was transported to a crematorium in Rolla by the county’s deputy coroner, Gavin McDonald.