OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Four young adults were killed early Friday morning, May 22, in a wrong-way crash on I-40.
Kiercy Hickson, 22, Brad Palmer, 21, Haleigh Salazar, 23, and Quincy Jones, 20, were struck head-on by a vehicle driven by Michael Rosario-Cruz, who was traveling in the wrong direction.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that Rosario-Cruz was likely impaired at the time of the collision. Authorities stated that Rosario-Cruz is not a U.S. citizen and was granted DACA status in 2015.
Rosario-Cruz faces multiple charges, including four counts of second-degree murder and driving under the influence. The crash resulted in significant injuries and the victims' vehicle catching fire.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin released a statement emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy and the impact on the victims' families.
Emergency response teams were on the scene, providing medical aid, while traffic was diverted and lanes were closed for the investigation. Towing services were also summoned to remove the vehicles involved.
For more local news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.