Local News
34-year-old Vickie Franklin killed in St. Clair County wreck
A woman was killed and four others, including three children, were injured in a single-vehicle crash early Monday morning in St. Clair County.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 34-year-old Vickie L. Franklin of Ragland was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Depot Street near Possum Trot Lane, approximately two miles north of Riverside.
Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey reported that Franklin was driving a Nissan Maxima when the vehicle left the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned.
Authorities confirmed that Franklin was not wearing a seat belt at the time and was ejected from the vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries.
A passenger in the vehicle, 31-year-old William C. Talton of Pell City, was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment.
Also injured in the crash were three children, ages 12, 10, and 4, who were transported to the hospital.
The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed.
The crash remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
Further details will be released as they become available.
Local News
11-Year-Old Girl Critically Injured After Being Struck by Ambulance Near SLAM Charter School in Little Havana
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Authorities in Miami are investigating a departmental crash that occurred Friday morning in Little Havana, where an 11-year-old girl was struck by a Miami Fire Rescue ambulance responding to an emergency call with a patient on board.
The incident took place around 542 NW 12th Avenue, near SLAM Miami Charter School and just blocks from LoanDepot Park, according to Miami Police.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the child was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on her way to school when the ambulance—identified as Rescue 4—approached the intersection with its emergency lights activated.
According to witnesses, the vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed en route to the hospital when it struck the girl.
Emergency crews immediately rendered aid, and the victim, who sustained severe traumatic injuries, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been released.
In a statement, SLAM Miami Charter School confirmed that the injured child is one of their students and said the school is in contact with the family and providing ongoing support and counseling resources to students and staff affected by the incident.
“It was a shocking scene,” one witness told reporters, describing the moments following the impact as chaotic and emotional.
Miami Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
Authorities have temporarily closed NW 12th Avenue between NW 4th and NW 7th Streets while investigators process the scene.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.