Two die in accidents on Highway 8
June 04, 2007 - 12:10:24 CDT

A Desloge teenager was killed Sunday morning
in a head-on collision on Highway 8.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports Joseph M. Heuer,
19, Desloge, was driving east on Highway 8 when his
1992 Chevrolet Cavalier crossed over the center line
striking a car driven by Catherine T. Horner, 69,
San Jose, California.

Horner's 2005 Toyota Corolla traveled off the north side
of the road and overturned. She sustained serious injuries
and was taken to St. John's Hospital by Arch Helicopter.

Heuer was pronounced dead at the scene by Washington
County Coroner Brian DeClue.

The accident happened about 9:50 a.m. Sunday,
six-tenths of a mile west of Route AA.

About 6:20 p.m. Sunday, the Highway Patrol reports
Rella M. Runge, 61, was killed when her vehicle collided
with a truck pulling a trailer driven by Franklin, C. Kramer,
47 of Potosi. The report indicates Kramer was eastbound on
Route 8 when he traveled off the right edge of the road
and onto a gravel shoulder. He reportedly overcorrected
to the left and crossed the center line on the road.

The front left of Runge's 2003 Saturn L300 struck the
left rear of Kramer's 2006 Dodge Ram pickup and its
towed trailer. The trailer separated from the truck and
came to rest blocking the westbound lane as the vehicle
struck a guardrail. Runge's vehicle came to rest off the
north side of the road. She was pronounced dead at the
scene by Washington County Deputy Coroner Steve Hatfield.

The accident happened three-tenths of a mile east of Jinkerson Road.