Two people were killed and two people were seriously injured in a pair of traffic accidents that occurred 13 minutes apart Tuesday.
The accidents occurred in Ripley and Stoddard counties, and both involved vehicles that crossed the centerline to strike an oncoming vehicle, according to the Missouri State Highway patrol.
Both drivers were killed in an accident shortly before 5:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 160, five miles west of Fairdealing.
Troopers report Austin F. Harris, 24, of Poplar Bluff was eastbound in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado when he crossed the center line and struck a westbound 1995 Ford F-150.
The F-150 was driven by Timmy Asberry, 36, of Doniphan.
Asberry was pronounced dead at the scene by Ripley County coroner Mike Jackson, according to the MSHP. Harris was transported by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Asberry and Harris are the 14th and 15th fatalities in Troop E this year.
Just a few minutes earlier in Stoddard County, two people suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash at 5:12 p.m. on Highway 51, six miles south of Puxico.
According to the report, Jason M. Merrill, 35, of Puxico was northbound in a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo when he crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2001 Nissan Maxima.
The Maxima was driven by Caroline L. Hodge, 78, of Puxico.
Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.