Semi Driver, Passenger Killed In Crash On I-44

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – Two people were killed Sunday morning in a collision on I-44 at 33rd West Avenue in Tulsa.

The deadly collision happened at about 7:00 a.m. OHP reports a semi and another vehicle were involved in the crash.

A vehicle driven by 51-year-old Mary Dye of Sapulpa was traveling eastbound on I-44. A freightliner semi pulling a box trailer was also traveling eastbound. Dye attempted to pass the semi and ran off the right side of the roadway, striking a guardrail, according to an OHP report. Dye lost control of her vehicle, striking the semi, which caused the semi to strike the concrete bridge rail, according to an OHP report.

OHP reports the semi then overturned off of the overpass onto 33rd West Avenue with its top down. Its fuel tanks ruptured and it caught on fire. The semi burned completely with the driver and a passenger pinned inside, according to OHP. Lt. Brown confirmed the two inside the semi died at the scene with massive injuries. They were both pinned for an unknown amount of time.

"They actually went through the guardrail and made contact with the bridge header wall, head-on. The front, the whole front assembly of the tractor was taken out from underneath it. It was a pretty violent impact," said Martin Stewart, Department of Transportation.

The names of the victims have not been released pending positive identification and next of kin notification.

OHP reports Dye's vehicle came to rest on the east end of the overpass, then caught on fire. According to an OHP report, it also burned completely.

Dye was transported by EMSA to St. Francis Hospital. She was treated and released with a minor facial injury.

Watch the home video of the aftermath of the collision shot by Gornwiga B. Nation, who lives near the scene of the collision.

The east and westbound lanes of I-44 were closed. The westbound lanes were opened after being closed for nearly four hours, while the eastbound lanes were opened after being closed for nearly five hours.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa Fire Department and EMSA responded to the scene.