Two hospitalized after accident and resultant fire south of Joplin

Two men were injured in a highway accident and resultant fire on Highway NN, about 3 miles south of Joplin at 2:10 a.m. this morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the accident occurred when a southbound 1994 BMW, driven by 25-year-old Carter L. Hickman of Neosho, failed to negotiate a curve, over-corrected, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert and caught fire.

Hickman and a passenger, 24-year-old Andru  D. Jacobs of St. Cloud, Florida, suffered serious injuries.

Hickman was taken to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. Jacobs was transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

The Patrol report said it is unknown if the driver or passenger were wearing a safety device at the time of the crash.