Elderly Driver Critically Injured In Creek Turnpike Wreck

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Emergency responders are at the scene of an injury wreck on the Creek Turnpike in Broken Arrow. A mini-van and semi truck collided on the eastbound lanes of the turnpike near 111th Street South.

Authorities say an elderly man driving the van tried to make a u-turn across the center median when he was hit by a semi that had just come from the toll gate.

OHP says 81-year-old Bobby Clark of Sand Springs, drove through the pay lane, crossed over the Pike Pass traffic lanes and then tried to turn around. Michael Cleveland, 46 of Mustang, was behind the wheel of a semi that drove through a Pike Pass lane and hit the minivan on the driver's side.

The Bobby Clark was taken by medical helicopter to a Tulsa hospital in critical condition. His wife, 73-year-old Jacquline Clark, was taken to a Tulsa hospital in serious condition.

"This is a serious collision which, unfortunately, may have been avoided," said Captain George Brown, Oklahoma Highway Patrol. 

"The no u-turn signs prohibiting motorists from crossing the center barriers on turnpikes should be considered life-saving features. Our advice for motorists; strictly adhere to traffic control devices and take controlled highway exits, even if it means driving out of your way. We wish the best for all injured parties involved this terrible crash."

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