Missouri Heatwave Buckles Roads, Launches Car Airborne

A severe heat wave in Missouri caused a road in Cape Girardeau to buckle suddenly, creating a ramp that launched a Toyota Corolla briefly airborne, as captured in viral video footage. The road buckled due to extreme heat causing pavement expansion, especially where moisture had seeped into cracks, a phenomenon confirmed by the Missouri Department of Transportation, which cautions that such buckling can lead to serious vehicle damage and accidents. The incident raised awareness about the risks of road buckling during heat waves, with local authorities advising drivers to remain vigilant and report any unusual roadway conditions. Despite some social media speculation attributing the buckling to possible water line damage or fault line movement, experts and officials emphasize the heatwave as the primary cause. The heat wave, affecting much of the country, has led to warnings about further road damage and the need for safety precautions. Fortunately, in this case, no injuries were reported.