Drone over head-on crash on Missouri Highway 18 forces sheriff warning to operators
Summary
Car Crash Bates Missouri in Bates, Missouri: A head-on collision on Missouri Highway 18 in Bates County on the night of July 2, 2026, critically injured two people who required air transport by medical helicopter to a trauma center. As the first helicopter attempted to land, deputies spotted a drone hovering over the crash scene, prompting Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson to warn drone operators to keep their devices away from emergency scenes. Anderson said drones can compromise safety and delay helicopter operations, and warned that operators who interfere with emergency response could be held accountable.
Publicly reported parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| drone operator | Unknown | Unknown |
Original reporting
Missouri Sheriff: Drone over highway crash put patients, helicopter crews at risk