Investigation underway

A personal injury collision Wednesday on Interstate 40 has left one individual hospitalized.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident happened at approximately 11:52 a.m. near mile marker 228 on I-40, five miles north of Clearview.

The collision involved a 2019 Ram Promaster, driven by Dion Kirk, a 24-year-old male from Oklahoma City, and a 2019 Hino Truck driven by Terrell Thompson, a 62-year-old from Choctaw.

According to preliminary reports from authorities, Kirk’s truck was traveling westbound in the inside lane, as the other truck was traveling westbound in the outside lane. The Promaster crossed over into the lane resulting in a collision between the two vehicles.

Kirk’s vehicle then veered off the roadway, striking a tree. He sustained injuries to the head, trunk, and legs. He was pinned in the vehicle for approximately one hour and was extricated by the Okemah Fire Department using the Hurst/Jaws of Life equipment. He was transported by Muscogee Nation EMS to Okemah Hospital and later air-lifted to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. As of the latest update, Kirk remains in stable condition.

Thompson did not report any injuries as a result of the collision.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by Trooper Tony LeMay of the Okfuskee County detachment of Troop D, along with assistance from the Okfuskee County Sheriff ’s Office and Muscogee Nation EMS.

Weather conditions at the time of the collision were reported to be clear, and the roadway was dry.