Wrong-Way Crash On I-40 Kills Four Young Oklahomans
- mike33692
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Wrong-Way Crash On I-40 Kills Four Young Oklahomans
A devastating wrong-way crash on I-40 claimed the lives of four young people early Thursday morning after a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction slammed head-on into another car near Mustang Road.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, troopers began receiving emergency calls around 12:30 a.m. reporting a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40.
Moments later, authorities say the suspected wrong-way driver collided head-on with another vehicle, triggering a violent crash that caused both vehicles to burst into flames.
The tragic wrong-way crash on I-40 remains under active investigation as troopers work to determine exactly what caused the deadly collision.
Wrong-Way Crash On I-40 Left Four Dead At Scene
The victims involved in the fatal wrong-way crash on I-40 have now been identified by authorities.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, all four occupants riding inside the struck vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
Kiercey Hickson, 20, of Stillwater
Qucy Jones, 19
Haleigh Salazar, 18
Brad Palmer, 19
Investigators say the force of the collision caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles involved in the crash.
Emergency crews responded quickly to battle vehicle fires and secure the interstate following the impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wrong-way crashes remain among the deadliest roadway incidents because of the high speeds and direct impact angles involved.
Wrong-Way Driver Remains In Critical Condition
The suspected wrong-way driver involved in the wrong-way crash on I-40 has been identified as Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, 26, of Memphis, Tennessee.
According to troopers, Rosario-Cruz was pulled from the wreckage by first responders and transported to a local hospital.
Authorities say he remains listed in critical condition.
Preliminary findings from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol indicate investigators are still reviewing all evidence tied to the crash, including witness accounts and roadway evidence gathered at the scene.
Officials say no final conclusions regarding contributing factors have been officially released at this time.
Dashcam Video Assisting Investigators
Investigators continue gathering evidence connected to the wrong-way crash on I-40 as troopers reconstruct the deadly overnight collision.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, dash cameras and roadway surveillance footage increasingly play a major role in helping investigators establish crash timelines and vehicle movement patterns.
Witnesses reportedly provided dashcam footage showing the wrong-way vehicle moments before the impact occurred.
Officials say the video may help investigators determine how long the vehicle was traveling against traffic before the collision happened.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues asking anyone with additional information, eyewitness accounts, or video footage tied to the crash to contact investigators.
Comments