CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Public Safety has released a detailed report on a fatal multi-vehicle crash involving a cattle truck on Interstate 40 in Johnson County, confirming two deaths and four injuries on Saturday afternoon.
The incident took place at 4:52 p.m. on Oct. 25 near mile marker 70 on the westbound lanes in rural Johnson County. According to the report, traffic was slowing due to rain when a 2020 Kenworth truck (Vehicle 7), hauling cattle, rear-ended a 2009 Honda (Vehicle 6). The collision caused the Honda to strike a 2019 Nissan (Vehicle 5) and a 2018 Peterbilt (Vehicle 4). The Kenworth continued pushing the Nissan westward, where it and the Kenworth struck the rear of another 2019 Nissan (Vehicle 3). The force propelled the second Nissan into the left side of the Peterbilt, while the Kenworth and Nissan also hit the rear of a 2009 Honda (Vehicle 1). The Kenworth then veered off into the median and overturned.
Two unidentified individuals in the Honda (Vehicle 6) were killed, with their bodies held at the Johnson County Coroner’s Office. Next-of-kin notifications are pending. The injured include Robert Barr, 50, of Fort Smith, the driver of the first Nissan (Vehicle 3); a minor passenger from the same vehicle; Simone Nash, 37, of Colorado Springs, the driver of the second Nissan (Vehicle 5); and Abu Turay, 54, of Katy, Texas, the driver of the Peterbilt (Vehicle 2). All were transported to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center or Johnson County Regional Medical Center with injuries.
Westbound lanes were closed between Knoxville and London, with traffic diverted at Exit 74 onto U.S. Highway 64, reopening around 7 a.m. Sunday after cleanup. The investigation is ongoing, led by Trooper Ty Lynch of the Arkansas State Police. No charges have been announced as of Monday afternoon.
