One dead in head-on crash in Clay County caused by sneezing attack

SMITHVILLE, Mo. - A driver suffering from a violent sneezing attack caused a head-on crash Wednesday, killing a woman and seriously injuring a 1-year-old child.

Just before 6 p.m., Missouri Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the intersection of County Road DD and Litton Way in Smithville on reports of a wreck.

When they arrived, they found two cars involved in a head-on collision.

Investigators say the driver of a 2004 Ford Freestar had just turned onto eastbound Route DD when the driver suffered a violent sneezing attack.

The attack caused the driver to cross over the center line, striking a westbound 2005 Hyundai driven by 30-year-old Laura McClendon. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Highway Patrol, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 1-year-old child riding with McClendon was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries

The driver of the Ford Freestar suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene.