YUKON, Okla. – A tragic crash on Interstate 40 near Yukon claimed the lives of four people early Friday morning, authorities report. The accident involved a wrong-way driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, resulting in a deadly collision and subsequent fire.
Details of the Wrong-Way Collision
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Mustang Road. Troopers were alerted to a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate and responded immediately.
“Our troopers were en route to go find this vehicle, and as they got to that area, they rolled up on this crash scene,” OHP Public Information Officer Mark Southall said.
The wrong-way vehicle collided with another car near Czech Hall Road, and both vehicles caught fire following the crash.
Victims Identified
The four people inside the eastbound vehicle who died in the crash were identified as:
- Kiercey Hickson, 20
- Quincy Jones, 19
- Haleigh Salazar, 18
- Brad Palmer
Three of the victims were recent graduates from El Reno High School. El Reno Public Schools released a statement expressing grief:
“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside their families, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved them. 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.”
Driver in Wrong-Way Vehicle in Critical Condition
The wrong-way driver, 26-year-old Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, was hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities found evidence of alcohol consumption, including open containers inside the vehicle. Once released from the hospital, Rosario-Cruz will be taken into custody, and the Canadian County District Attorney’s Office will determine the charges.
“We do believe there was alcohol used at the time by the driver that was going the wrong direction,” said OHP’s Southall.
Community and Political Response
Local leaders expressed shock and condolences following the tragedy. Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) and Rep. Mike Kelley (R-Yukon) released a joint statement:
“We are devastated by the tragic crash near El Reno that claimed the lives of these four young Oklahomans. If reports of impaired driving are confirmed, this tragedy serves as another painful reminder that drunk driving is entirely preventable.”
They emphasized the preventable nature of such accidents and offered prayers to the families, friends, and community members affected by the loss.
Summary Table of Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Interstate 40 near Yukon, Oklahoma |
| Time | Around 12:30 a.m. |
| Incident Type | Wrong-way driving collision |
| Fatalities | 4 (Kiercey Hickson, Quincy Jones, Haleigh Salazar, Brad Palmer) |
| Wrong-Way Driver | Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, 26 |
| Cause | Suspected alcohol use |
| Authorities Involved | Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Canadian County District Attorney |
| Community Response | Condolences from El Reno Public Schools, statements from Reps. Nick Archer and Mike Kelley |
The deadly crash on I-40 near Yukon underscores the dangers of impaired driving. With four young lives lost and a driver in critical condition, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Community members and officials are calling for increased awareness about the consequences of drunk driving to prevent future tragedies.
