Miami, OK – An Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) employee was killed and another critically injured Monday after a semi-truck veered off the Will Rogers Turnpike and struck a work crew on the roadside near the Miami exit.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on eastbound Interstate 44 when a semi-truck drifted off the roadway, hitting an OTA worker who was on foot collecting debris. The truck then collided with a parked OTA vehicle that had a second employee inside.
The employee on foot died at the scene, while the second was critically injured and transported to a hospital in Joplin, Missouri, for treatment. The driver of the semi-truck was reportedly uninjured and remained at the scene, cooperating with authorities.
Troopers say the truck driver told investigators he dropped a device inside the cab and was attempting to retrieve it when he drifted from the travel lane.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol described the incident as preventable, emphasizing the dangers of distracted driving. “Nothing is more important than focusing on what is happening in front of you and around you while driving,” the agency stated.
OTA crews are known to regularly assist with road maintenance and cleanup on Oklahoma’s turnpikes. OHP officials expressed condolences to the families of the workers involved and acknowledged the close working relationship between the two agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing. Once complete, findings will be submitted to the appropriate legal authorities for further review.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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