Gainesville Man Seriously Injured In Wreck at Squires

A Gainesville man suffered serious injuries in a two vehicle crash south of Ava at Squires last Thursday morning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Richard L. Rife, 51, of Gainesville, was traveling south on Highway 5 and swerved in an attempt to avoid a car that pulled into the intersection at Route JJ. The vehicles struck at an angle, causing only minor damage to the northbound 2004 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Johnny L. Burkdoll, 56, of Squires. The southbound 2004 GMC Sierra, driven by Rife, then ran off the road and struck an embankment, seriously injuring the driver. Also hurt was a passenger, Zabe Rife, 8, of Gainesville, who sustained moderate injuries. Richard Rife was transported from the scene by Cox Ambulance to be airlifted to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Zabe Rife was transported to Cox South by Cox Ambulance. Burkdoll was not hurt and his car was driven from the scene, according to the Troop G report filed by investigating officer, Tpr. A.R. Johnson. A Cabool woman was hospitalized Tuesday afternoon following a one-vehicle crash south of Cabool, in Douglas County. The Highway Patrol said Nikki R. Wake, 29, was a passenger in a 1998 Dodge Dakota that ran off Highway EE, seven miles south of Cabool, and overturned. The northbound truck was driven by Roger L. Wake, 33, of Cabool, who was apparently not injured. Nikki Wake was taken by private vehicle to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston with minor injuries. Both occupants of the pickup were wearing seatbelts according to the Troop G report.