ROBY/DEVIL’S ELBOW, Mo. (Feb. 14, 2012) — Two Tuesday morning crashes damaged three vehicles and injured two people, one seriously, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.

The worst of the two crashes happened on Highway 17 south of Fort Leonard Wood in Texas County when Michael Hooks, 20, of Fort Leonard Wood, was driving his 2008 Jeep Wrangler southbound about a quarter-mile north of Roby when he ran off the left side of the roadway at 9:55 a.m., struck a culvert, and overturned twice.

Hooks, who had been wearing his seatbelt, was seriously injured and was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. His vehicle was totaled and removed by Arrington Automotive Repair of Plato.

Earlier in the morning, a crash on Interstate 44 at eastbound mile marker 167 caused minor injuries to Jamie W. Shipton, 29, of Overland, when he attempted to change lanes at 5:15 a.m.and his 2010 Ford Transit struck the rear of the towed unit of a 2005 International semi truck driven by John W. Ross, 72, of Springfield.

Shipton declined medical treatment on the scene; Ross was not hurt. Both had been wearing their seatbelts.

Ross’ semi truck was able to be driven from the scene with only minor damage. Shipton’s vehicle was moderately damaged and removed by C&C Towing of Rolla.