Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) troopers responded to a fatal collision involving a Tulsa Public Schools Chevrolet Suburban and a commercial motor vehicle on the Turner Turnpike.
An information release posted to Facebook from the OSP stated, “Tragically, a Webster High School student lost her life.”
OHP stated that it is in the early stages of its investigation.
Police say a commercial motor vehicle, operated by a commercially licensed driver, was accelerating from the travel plaza on the Turner Turnpike in the acceleration lane to merge into traffic. The Tulsa Public Schools Chevrolet Suburban was traveling eastbound on the Turner Turnpike.
While the circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation, the two vehicles collided, causing the Suburban to overturn.
Police confirmed that two students were ejected from the Suburban. The front-seat passenger tragically lost her life. The second student, who was seated directly behind the front-seat passenger, is recovering in stable condition at a Tulsa-area hospital, the release stated.
“Based on preliminary observations, seat belts appeared to be in use by all occupants of both vehicles at the time of the collision,” police stated. “There is no estimated timeline for completion of this investigation. Our priority is conducting a full and thorough investigation, with our focus remaining on the facts and evidence. We will not rush that process. At the conclusion of the investigation, our goal is to provide factual answers to the grieving family and the public about what happened.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
