Three Killed As Car Goes Off Bridge On I-35 In Oklahoma City

Xin Xin Liu, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three men from Oklahoma City were killed after their car went off the bridge on Interstate 35 and landed on the railroad tracks below, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported early Saturday morning.

According to the accident report, 32-year-old Thurman Joe Kelley Jr. was driving the car, and his cousin, 32-year-old Steven Ladale Kelley and 39-year-old Terrance Laron Hall were in the car, at the time of the accident. All three were pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries suffered in the wreck. Their bodies were transported to the Medical Examiner's Office.

The accident happened at S.E. 15th Street and I-35, just after 6 a.m. Troopers say a 1997 Saturn driven by Kelley was southbound on I-35 when it left the roadway to the left, struck the center median, traveling approximately 50 yards before striking a dirt berm.

The car then went airborne, traveling for 50 yards before landing on the front end, and coming to rest on its top on the railroad tracks, troopers say.

According to Oklahoma City Police Department, all the trains had to be halted for a short time due to the accident. The three were pinned inside of the car for about three hours, before being freed by the Oklahoma City Fire Department with a Hurst tool. Police say it doesn't appear that alcohol was involved in the accident. However, they believe Kelley may have fallen asleep.

Troopers have determined the cause of this collision to be other improper action- sleepy driver. All three victims were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

According to the Highway Patrol, both southbound and northbound lanes on I-35 were shut down for a short time. All lanes are back open at this point.