Current:Home > Contact-us2 inmates dead after prison van crashes in Alabama; 5 others injured-InfoLens
2 inmates dead after prison van crashes in Alabama; 5 others injured
View Date:2024-12-23 18:36:48
Two prisoners died and several others were seriously injured after a prison transport van crashed in Alabama, state officials reported Thursday.
The single-vehicle wreck took place Wednesday in Dadeville, a small city about an hour east of Montgomery, while the Alabama Department of Corrections transported seven inmates to the Alex City Community Based Facility
Prison spokesperson Kelly Betts said the van crashed along Elder Road, a rural roadway east of State Route 49.
Inmates Willie Crayton, Jake Jones, Bruce Clements, Thomas Bass, Heath Garrett, Shawn Wasden, and Richard Jackson were returning to the facility in Tallapoosa County after work when the van wrecked.
Officials did not say who was driving the van at the time of the wreck or whether they were hurt in the crash.
Crayton was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Jones and Clements were transported to a local hospital in critical condition where Clements later died.
Jones was transported to another hospital for further treatment.
The other four inmates were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Betts said.
What caused the prison van crash that killed 2 Alabama inmates?
State prison officials did not release what caused the crash or what time it took place.
Betts said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the crash.
USA TODAY has reached out to the agency.
State officials said Thursday counselors would be available to affected staff and inmates.
In a statement released by the prison, Commissioner John Hamm extended his condolences to the family and friends of both inmates who died.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” Hamm wrote. “The quick and professional response of those first on the scene is very much appreciated by the ADOC. We will be doing all we can to support the staff and inmates affected by this tragic event.”
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (3821)
Related
- Oregon's Dan Lanning, Indiana's Curt Cignetti pocket big bonuses after Week 11 wins
- Matthew Perry’s Death Investigation Closed by Police
- DeSantis and Haley go head to head: How to watch the fifth Republican presidential debate
- Whaddya Hear, Whaddya Say You Check Out These Secrets About The Sopranos?
- Texas man accused of supporting ISIS charged in federal court
- A one-on-one debate between Haley and DeSantis could help decide the Republican alternative to Trump
- Former poison control specialist accused of poisoning his wife indicted on murder charges
- NASA delays first Artemis astronaut flight to late 2025, moon landing to 2026
- Bowl projections: SEC teams joins College Football Playoff field
- The Pope wants surrogacy banned. Here's why one advocate says that's misguided
Ranking
- Chet Holmgren injury update: Oklahoma City Thunder star suffers hip fracture
- American Fiction is a rich story — but is it a successful satire?
- Michigan Wolverines return home to screaming fans after victory over Washington Huskies
- Special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, key figures in Trump 2020 election case, are latest victims of apparent swatting attempts
- Research reveals China has built prototype nuclear reactor to power aircraft carrier
- Michigan finishes at No. 1, Georgia jumps to No. 3 in college football's final US LBM Coaches Poll
- In Falcons' coaching search, it's time to break the model. A major move is needed.
- Coach Erik Spoelstra reaches record-setting extension with Miami Heat, per report
Recommendation
-
Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
-
USDA estimates 21 million kids will get summer food benefits through new program in 2024
-
County official Richardson says she’ll challenge US Rep. McBath in Democratic primary in Georgia
-
Three-strikes proposal part of sweeping anti-crime bill unveiled by House Republicans in Kentucky
-
Ryan Reynolds Clarifies Taylor Swift’s Role as Godmother to His Kids With Blake Lively
-
Why are these pink Stanley tumblers causing shopping mayhem?
-
Georgia passes Michigan, Alabama in early 2025 CFP National Championship odds
-
Melania Trump’s Mom Amalija Knavs Dead at 78