Local News
Victims Killed in Fiery Wrong-Way Crash on I-40 in Canadian County Identified
CANADIAN COUNTY, Okla. — Four young people were killed in a devastating wrong-way crash early Friday morning on Interstate 40 in Canadian County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victims as 20-year-old Kiercy Hickson of Stillwater, 19-year-old Quincy Jones of El Reno, 18-year-old Haliegh Salazar of El Reno, and 18-year-old Brad Palmer of El Reno.
Investigators said the crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Czech Hall Road when a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 collided head-on with another vehicle carrying the four victims.
According to Lt. Mark Southall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, troopers had received reports of a vehicle driving the wrong direction on I-40 moments before the collision occurred.
“Our troopers received a call of a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on I-40,” Southall said. “Troopers were responding to the area when they came upon the collision scene.”
Authorities said the wrong-way vehicle struck the victims’ car head-on in the inside lane, causing a violent impact that ignited one of the vehicles in flames.
The wrong-way driver was identified as 26-year-old Michael Cruz of Tennessee. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said evidence at the scene suggests alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
“We do believe alcohol did play a factor in this,” Lt. Southall said, noting that empty alcohol containers and other indicators of impairment were found inside the suspect vehicle.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities continue reconstructing the events leading up to the deadly collision.
The deaths of Quincy Jones, Brad Palmer, and Haliegh Salazar have deeply impacted the El Reno Public Schools community.
School officials released a statement mourning the loss of the recent graduates.
“Quincy, Brad, and Haliegh were valued members of the ERPS family whose lives touched countless others through their friendships, spirit, and presence within our schools and community,” the district said.
Officials confirmed Quincy Jones and Brad Palmer were members of the Class of 2026, while Haliegh Salazar was part of the Class of 2025.
Counseling and support services are being made available for students, staff, friends, and families affected by the tragedy.
Interstate 40 remained closed for more than four hours while emergency crews extinguished the fire, investigated the crash scene, and cleared debris from the roadway.
Traffic has since resumed in the area.
Authorities said a complete investigation report will eventually be submitted to the district attorney’s office as troopers continue working on behalf of the victims and their families.
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.