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
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.