Local News
21-Year-Old Cierra Brena Anthony Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-359 in Tuscaloosa
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Tuscaloosa Police Department has confirmed that a 21-year-old Cierra Brena Anthony from Tuscaloosa was killed early Sunday morning in a tragic multi-vehicle collision involving seven vehicles on Interstate 359.
According to investigators, the initial crash occurred around 2:00 a.m., when the victim’s vehicle collided with another car on the southbound side of I-359.
Authorities said the woman and the other driver had exited their vehicles following the initial impact and were standing on the roadway when a secondary collision involving five additional vehicles took place.
“The victim and the other driver were struck by vehicles involved in the second crash,” Tuscaloosa Police said in an official statement.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene.
Cierra was pronounced dead at the site of the crash, while five others were transported to DCH Regional Medical Center with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The southbound lanes of I-359 were temporarily closed throughout the morning as crews worked to clear the scene and investigators began their assessment.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Northport Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.