A tractor-trailer rig rolled over on the Turner Turnpike near Chandler today, closing several westbound lanes. The accident on turner turnpike today happened near mile marker 168, about two miles east of the Chandler exit. At around 9 a.m., the inside lane reopened, and all lanes were back open by about 9:20 a.m.
Woman Killed in Multi-vehicle crash on Turner Turnpike near Stroud
All southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike are now open in Port St. Lucie, following a crash involving multiple vehicles. The accident on turner turnpike today involved two semis and a tow truck. The accident closed the turnpike for five hours while repairs were made. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
According to police, a woman killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the Turner Turnpike near Stroud was driving an SUV when it was struck by another vehicle. The woman’s car left the roadway and she was thrown out. She died at the scene. Police are not releasing the cause of the crash.
Two buses were involved in the crash on the Turner Turnpike east of Stroud. The bus in the lead was towing another bus when the tow dolly broke, sending the lead bus into the median wall. Eastbound traffic was diverted to the Chandler exit. Traffic was returned to the turnpike after an hour.
The crash shut down all southbound lanes of the turnpike, and three victims were taken to area hospitals. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified two of the victims and a child in one of the vehicles. Newton Falls firefighters responded to the scene.
Semi-Truck Spilled Load of Power Poles
A semi-truck spilled its load of power poles on the accident on turner turnpike today near mile marker 162. The driver of the semi truck was unharmed in the incident and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and a wrecker service were called to move the load from the power poles. Traffic is now rerouted to the Wellston exit.
As of 7 p.m. today, the Turner Turnpike is back open. But the eastbound lanes of the highway are closed. Drivers should avoid the area until the accident scene is cleared. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reports snow-packed roads on several Turnpikes. While road crews are clearing the snow, motorists are urged to drive carefully and take extra precautions.
One-Vehicle Crash Near Chandler
A one-vehicle crash is blocking traffic on Turner Turnpike near Chandler. The eastbound lanes are closed near Stroud and traffic is diverted to the Chandler exit. If you’re traveling in that direction, plan on a lengthy delay. While the exact cause of the crash has not been released, the fire department believes the accident was caused by fireworks. The driver and one passenger of the woman’s car have been taken to the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has not released the woman’s name.
During the accident, one person was killed and another was seriously injured, including a former University of Oklahoma standout linebacker. James “Jimbo” Elrod, 62, and his wife, Diana, were in an eastbound vehicle when they collided with a guardrail. Elrod hit the back side of the guardrail and was ejected through the sun roof. Elrod’s wife was critically injured.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said that the collision occurred on the Turner Turnpike near Stroud at mile marker 177. At the time of the accident on turner turnpike today, all lanes on the turnpike were shut down while the investigation was underway. During the time of the investigation, eastbound traffic on the turnpike was diverted to the Chandler exit.
Police are still investigating the exact cause of the collision. However, they do know that both drivers were wearing seat belts and used them properly. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Stroud Fire Department assisted with the investigation. Medics from the Chandler Fire Department, Wellston Fire Department, and Chandler Police Department also responded to the incident.
Death of Douglas J. Harper
A accident on turner turnpike today took the life of Douglas J. Harper, 53, of Middletown, New York. He was traveling on his motorcycle and lost control, causing the collision. Fortunately, Harper was wearing a seatbelt. His death is being mourned by his family and friends. He is survived by three sons, Michael, James, and Samuel, and a number of grandchildren.
Douglas was an avid driver of motorcycles. He was a former educator and enjoyed working with young people. His wife, Mary Bryan Moore, predeceased him. Their children include Ashley DeMazza, Stephen Brooks, and Kate DeMazza. He also had two brothers and one sister. His father was a retired educator. His family has arranged for private funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Sharon Volunteer Ambulance.
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