Local News
Oklahoma City I-35 Crash Victims Identified
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Authorities are investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 that claimed the lives of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, a woman, and her young child Wednesday morning.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the crash occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. on I-35 between Britton Road and Hefner Road.
Investigators have determined that the incident began when debris or equipment—believed to have fallen from a commercial vehicle—ended up on the roadway, creating a hazardous situation for approaching traffic.
Officials say 36-year-old Mercedes Bayne, of Oklahoma City, was traveling southbound when she either attempted to avoid the debris or reacted to vehicles slowing ahead of her.
During this maneuver, her vehicle crossed the center cable barrier and entered the northbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a patrol unit driven by Trooper Vernon Brake.
The impact was fatal.
Trooper Brake, Bayne, and her 4-year-old daughter, Ariana, were all pronounced deceased at the scene.
Trooper Brake had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for nearly two decades, having graduated from the agency’s 56th Academy in 2006.
Much of his career was dedicated to commercial motor vehicle enforcement.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bayne is being remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother and a woman of strong faith.
She was a graduate of Putnam City West High School and had recently completed the esthetician program at Paul Mitchell The School in Norman, an accomplishment family members say she was proud of as she worked to build a better future for her children.
Investigators initially sought the public’s assistance in identifying a commercial vehicle that may have been involved, either as the source of the debris or as a vehicle that stopped in the area.
By Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed that the truck in question had been identified.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, and officials have indicated the crash is being treated as a crime scene as they continue to examine all contributing factors.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
In a statement, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office extended support to Trooper Brake’s colleagues and loved ones, honoring his service and dedication.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — 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.