Willow Springs woman injured in motorcycle crash

A Willow Springs woman is seriously injured after a motorcycle crash on Highway 60 Friday night. Dr. Ann Hines, 54, was entering the roadway on a 2002 Suzuki motorcycle when the vehicle lost control on loose gravel and struck a semi-truck, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol. Hines was ejected, and the motorcycle was lodged under the big rig in the crash. 

 

The resulting fire consumed the cab of the truck and backed up traffic on the highway for a considerable distance as first responders put out the flames and rendered first aid. Willow Springs Fire Chief Andy Logan estimates hundreds of cars were held up in traffic while the road was closed to keep emergency responders safe.

 

Hines was taken from the scene by air ambulance to a Springfield hospital. The driver of the semi-truck, a 79-year-old-man from Marshfield, was not injured, according to the crash report. 

 

Logan issued a statement commending the bystanders, “who witnessed the incident and immediately jumped into action to render first aid and attempt to put out the fire before crews arrived.”

 

“Your bravery and quick thinking made a difference,” Chief Logan wrote. 

 

He also thanked WSFD’s mutual aid partners: Eleven Point Rural Fire Protection District, Willow Springs EMS, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Howell County 911, and Air Evac Lifeteam.