OKLAHOMA CITY –
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, a young woman and a 4-year-old child were killed in a multi-vehicle crash Wednesday on Interstate 35, according to OHP officials.
Authorities now believe debris from a commercial vehicle may have played a key role in the deadly chain of events.
What we know about the crash
According to OHP, the crash happened around 11:27 a.m. and forced both northbound and southbound lanes of I-35 to close for several hours.
Officials say traffic began slowing after debris fell onto the roadway from a commercial motor vehicle.
“At some point, a commercial motor vehicle lost some type of equipment or load or some type of debris onto the roadway,” said Mark Southall.
Investigators say a driver traveling northbound may have swerved to avoid either the debris or slowing traffic, crossing the median and striking the trooper.
Victims identified
OHP confirmed the trooper killed was Trooper Vernon Brake, who would have reached his 20-year anniversary with the agency later this year.
Two other victims, a young woman and a 4-year-old child, were also killed. Their identities have not yet been released.
“Our department is heartbroken,” Southall said, adding the agency’s focus is on supporting the trooper’s wife and two sons.
Investigation focuses on missing piece
Officials say identifying the commercial vehicle involved is critical to understanding what led to the crash.
“At this time, that person has not stayed around at the scene, and we’re looking to identify who that is,” Southall said.
Authorities believe the debris was likely the “catalyst” for the crash but say the full sequence of events is still under investigation.
Call for public help
OHP is asking anyone who may have seen debris fall onto the roadway or witnessed events leading up to the crash to come forward.
Investigators are especially interested in:
- A commercial vehicle that may have lost debris
- Anyone who may have stopped to remove debris
- Any drivers who witnessed the crash or events before it
Anyone with information is asked to call OHP Communications at 405-425-2323.
