Oklahoma Turnpike Worker Killed in Semi Crash

Miami, OK-Fatal Crash on Will Rogers Oklahoma Turnpike

Tragedy struck Monday when a semi-truck veered off the roadway and plowed into a work zone on the Will Rogers Oklahoma Turnpike near Miami, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) confirmed that 36-year-old Zac Rinehart, a turnpike worker, was killed in the collision. Another worker was injured and transported to a nearby hospital.

Driver Distracted Before Crash

Investigators determined the semi driver had dropped a device inside his cab and was attempting to pick it up when he lost control of the vehicle. The distraction caused the truck to drift off the road and into the active construction zone.

Safety Concerns for Road Workers

The crash highlights the risks faced by Oklahoma highway workers. According to the Federal Highway Administration, hundreds of roadway workers are killed nationwide each year in similar incidents. Officials urge drivers to remain alert, especially in marked work zones where speed reductions and lane changes are common.