Hempstead County, Arkansas – Traffic is moving slowly on I-30 westbound through Hempstead County after a series of serious crashes early this morning, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured. The accidents occurred between Hope and Fulton, forcing officials to close part of the interstate and direct traffic onto alternate routes as they work to clear the scene and investigate what happened.
According to authorities, the situation began unfolding just after 1 a.m. near mile marker 18 in Fulton. An Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) contractor was working overnight, applying reflectors to the center of the westbound lanes when tragedy struck. A 2004 Buick Century crashed into the worker, killing him at the scene. Police say the driver of the vehicle did not stay to help. Instead, the person behind the wheel abandoned the car and fled on foot. Law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect but has not released further details about their identity.
Shortly after that incident, around 2:15 a.m., a second crash took place only a mile up the road near mile marker 19. That wreck involved two vehicles and resulted in minor injuries. Though less severe than the first accident, it added to the growing traffic issues in the area as emergency responders worked to manage both crash sites.
Unfortunately, the situation continued to escalate. Authorities reported a third and most severe accident occurred near mile marker 20 on the westbound side of I-30. This crash involved three tractor-trailers and a pickup truck. Two people lost their lives in the collision, while two others sustained injuries and were transported for medical care. The exact cause of this multi-vehicle crash remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released the names of the victims.
At this time, traffic on I-30 westbound is being redirected at the 30-mile marker in Hope. Drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid the area entirely and instead take U.S. 67 as an alternate route. Officials warn that significant delays are expected throughout the morning as crews work to clear the wreckage and complete their investigations. The traffic impact is expected to stretch from mile markers 31 down to 18.
“We urge drivers to plan ahead, use caution, and be patient,” local authorities advised. “This is a difficult scene with multiple fatal crashes, and safety is our priority as we work to reopen the roadway.”
With three separate crashes occurring within such a short span of time and distance, emergency services are stretched thin. Arkansas State Police, local sheriff’s deputies, and ARDOT crews remain on-site, working to manage the aftermath and ensure the safety of all involved. Investigators are piecing together the sequence of events while also searching for the driver who fled from the scene of the first crash.
Motorists are asked to stay alert for updates throughout the day as cleanup efforts continue and the highway remains partially closed.
