Local News
Victims killed in Marion County crash identified
Authorities in Marion County are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning, leaving two young people dead and another seriously injured.
According to Kevin Williams, deputies were initially dispatched around 2:00 a.m. to a report of teenagers gathering and drinking at a location locally known as the “gravel pit” along County Road 36, also referred to as Jasper Hill.
While responding to the call, deputies observed a silver Toyota 4Runner traveling at a high rate of speed through the area.
Skylar Handley, Chief of the Brilliant Police Department, stated that deputies activated their emergency lights but did not initiate a pursuit. Shortly afterward, officers lost sight of the vehicle while continuing to patrol the area.
A short time later, deputies located the same vehicle involved in a single-vehicle crash nearby.
Authorities confirmed that three occupants were inside the SUV at the time of the crash, and all were ejected upon impact.
Two individuals, identified as 17-year-old Braden Canterberry, a senior at Brilliant High School, and 20-year-old Braxton Canterberry, were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 18-year-old occupant sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to UAB Hospital for emergency treatment.
The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
Officials and community members have described the loss as deeply personal. Chief Handley noted that all three individuals were known within the community and spoke of the profound impact on local families and schools.
In a statement, Brilliant Schools expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and educators affected by the loss.
School officials announced that classes will remain in session to provide a supportive environment, with counselors and additional resources available to assist students and staff during the grieving process.
Friends and family members gathered at the crash site later in the day to honor the victims and support one another as the community continues to process the devastating incident.
Authorities have not released further details as the investigation remains ongoing.
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.