Collisions shut down Highway 102

SUV strikes fuel tanker east of Decatur, chain of accidents follow

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

— A four-vehicle accident involving a truck pulling an empty fuel tank semi-trailer shut down Arkansas Highway 102 east of Decatur last Tuesday for several hours.

Four people were injured in the accident, according to Lori Whillock of the Arkansas State Police. Two of the drivers were transported by ambulance to the Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, and another driver and passenger were taken to the hospital by friends.

A silver Escalade, driven by Jody Reid of Gentry, set off the accident when it crossed the centerline and caught the front fender of the oncoming semi-truck with its rear quarter.

“The two vehicles struck wheel to wheel pretty hard,” Whillock said.

Micheal Reed, the driver of the semi-truck, braked hard and his trailer began to come around into the oncoming lane of traffic.

A maroon mini-van, driven by Tara Allen of Decatur, struck the trailer, followed by a blue Honda driven by Amanda Hemp- hill of Decatur. The mini- van and car also spun around and struck each other, Whillock said.

The three passenger vehicles involved in the accident were disabled, she said.

Reid was cited for careless and prohibitive driving.