Springfield driver killed in early morning accident

A man from Springfield man is dead after an accident involving a big-rig truck and trailer on Missouri 360 about a mile west of Republic early Saturday morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when the eastbound Peterbuilt truck and trailer operated by 59-year-old Douglas R. Grimes of Stover, Mo., attempted to make a U-turn and became disabled, blocking the roadway.

A westbound passenger car driven by 74-year-old Gary C. Sawyer of Springfield then struck the passenger side of the towed unit.

The crash happened around 4:22 a.m.

Sawyer was pronounced dead by the Greene County Medical Examiner.

Grimes was not injured.