Two people are dead and one person is in critical condition after a dump truck crashed into the Boonedocks Pub & Grub restaurant on Tuesday.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, police and fire units were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and Beaver Road — just west of Walton — around 4 p.m. Officials say a 66-year-old driver of an SUV took a left turn from Beaver Road to Highway 42, driving into the path of a dump truck loaded with gravel. The SUV then hit a guardrail and flipped over, landing on its top.
While trying to swerve out of the way of the SUV, the sheriff’s office said the dump truck crashed into the side of Boonedocks Pub and Grub, hitting four unoccupied cars in the parking lot along the way.
Officials said no one in the restaurant was hurt, but confirmed two of the SUV passengers were killed in the crash: 91-year-old Eva Mulberry and 89-year-old Betty Hillard. The driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the dump truck, 66, was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover.
Owners of Boonedocks Pub & Grub released a statement about the crash on Facebook late Tuesday.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred at the intersection of Highway 42 and Beaver Road,” the post reads. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected, and we extend our sincerest condolences to the families, loved ones, and first responders involved.”
The post also addressed security footage of the crash that the owners said was unknowingly leaked online.
“This footage was not intended for public release, and we are currently looking into how it was shared,” the post reads. “We kindly ask that, out of respect for those impacted, the video not be shared further.”
The sheriff’s office is investigating, saying limited visibility at the intersection may have been a factor in the crash. Alcohol and/or excessive speed are not believed to be factors in the crash.
No charges have been filed at this time.
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This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2025.
