Eddyville, KY– A 19-year-old from Kansas who was a passenger in a church van was killed in an accident near Eddyville Friday evening. Twelve vehicles were involved in the collision, including a semi, and multiple people were injured, some in critical condition.
The Kentucky State Police were called, along with other first responders, to the accident scene on 1-24.
Traffic was slow to stop due to construction ahead of the collision scene.
Coleman A. Strachman, 42 of Sharpsburg, NC was operating a semi-trailer truck east on I24.
Witnesses’ state and early investigation indicates that inattention on behalf of the semi driver appears to be a contributing factor in the collision. The semi ran into stopped/slowed traffic at approximately the 51-mile marker, causing a chain of events with multiple injuries.
Jace Ashton Lee Smothers, 19 of Norton, KS was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Lyon County Coroner. Smothers was a passenger in a van occupied by multiple occupants. The van is, registered to Christ in Youth Incorporated out of Joplin, MO. Approximately 22 people appear to be involved.
At least two others are in critical condition. Four people were air lifted to Skyline Hospital in Nashville TN. One person was Air lifted to Deaconess Midtown hospital in Evansville Indiana. Eight people were, transported via EMS by ground, to other local hospitals. The remaining individuals were released. Some out of town travelers are staying at local hotels.
First responders were still on the scene at 3 a.m.
Kentucky State Police was assisted on the scene by Lyon County Sherriff’s Office, Lyon County Coroner, US Forestry Law Enforcement, Kentucky Department of Transportation, Caldwell County Sherriff’s Office, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Trigg County Sherriff’s Office, Eddyville Fire Department, Kuttawa Fire Department, Ledbetter Fire Department, Lyon County EMS, Trigg County EMS, Caldwell County EMS and numerous other agencies.
The investigation is continuing by Sgt. Eric Fields and Trooper Michael Robichaud. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.
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