Arkansas – The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is investigating a series of early morning crashes that occurred Monday, July 21, along a stretch of Interstate 30 westbound between Hope and Fulton. The incidents resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a state contractor, and left several others injured.
The first collision took place around 1 a.m. near the 18-mile marker. Troopers responded to a fatal hit-and-run involving Jonathan Gary Williams, 44, of Sherwood. Williams, an Arkansas Department of Transportation contractor, was working from a specialized trailer applying reflectors to the roadway when he was struck and killed by a 2004 Buick Century. The driver of the Buick fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located.
Approximately an hour later, at 2:15 a.m., Troopers responded to a second crash near the 19-mile marker involving two vehicles. This incident resulted in minor injuries. The individuals involved were treated on-site.
The third and most severe crash occurred near the 20-mile marker and involved three tractor-trailers and a pickup truck. Two passengers in the pickup, Jonathan Garcia, 25, and Javier Rivera, 61, both of Hope, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and another passenger were transported to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.
The westbound lanes of I-30 in the area were closed for several hours to allow for investigation and cleanup. One lane reopened by 9 a.m., and full access was restored by noon.
Arkansas State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding all three collisions and are urging the public to use extreme caution when driving through work zones. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run suspect is encouraged to contact ASP.