Local News
27-year-old Morgan Hawkins killed in horrific crash on US 280 in Mountain Brook
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed in a serious traffic crash Sunday afternoon along U.S. 280 in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim was Morgan Lakesha Hawkins, a 27-year-old Birmingham resident.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:16 p.m. on U.S. 280 between Cherokee Road and Cahaba Road.
Rocky Ridge Fire District Chief Jon Lord stated that the vehicle was traveling westbound when it lost control and struck the median guardrail on the passenger side.
The force of the collision caused the guardrail to be pushed into two eastbound lanes of traffic, resulting in a significant roadway obstruction.
Both occupants of the vehicle were trapped inside following the impact.
Emergency responders worked to extricate the victims as traffic in the affected area was shut down for several hours.
Hawkins, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The driver of the vehicle, whose identity has not been released, was transported to UAB Hospital with serious injuries, officials said.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Rocky Ridge Fire District, Mountain Brook Fire and Police Departments, and Alabama State Troopers.
The crash remains under active investigation by Mountain Brook police, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Local News
Multiple people injured after gas explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville
BOONVILLE, N.Y. — Multiple emergency agencies responded Tuesday morning to reports of a gas odor and a possible explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, located at 12644 State Route 12 in Boonville.
According to Oneida County 911 dispatch, the initial call was received at approximately 10:23 a.m. on February 17.
Callers reported smelling gas inside the building, followed by what was described as a possible explosion.
A large-scale emergency response was immediately initiated. Fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical units from several surrounding communities were dispatched to the scene, including the Boonville Fire Department, Boonville Ambulance, Remsen Fire Department, Barneveld Fire Department, Stittville Fire Department, Forestport Fire Department, and Kuyahoora Ambulance.
Law enforcement agencies responding included the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.
Additional medical support was provided by Northstar Ambulance, AmCare Ambulance, and Oneida County Emergency Services.
Reports indicate that six ambulances and two medical helicopters were requested to assist at the scene, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
As of this time, officials have not released confirmed information regarding injuries, the extent of structural damage, or the cause of the reported explosion.
Emergency personnel remain on-site conducting assessments and ensuring the safety of the area.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.