A two-vehicle collision on the KY 55 Bypass in Adair County Saturday evening resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
Troopers from Kentucky State Police Post 15 responded to the scene near the intersection of Pelham Branch Road around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Preliminary investigation revealed that 46-year-old Joel Hammack of Crossville, Tennessee, was driving a 2016 Ford F150 southbound on the bypass at a high rate of speed. Hammack’s vehicle struck the rear end of a 2018 Kia Sorento, also traveling southbound, operated by 62-year-old Townya Ritzie of Columbia. Police said the impact forced Ritzie’s vehicle off the roadway, where it overturned.
A juvenile passenger in Ritzie’s vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Coroner. The passenger was identified as Rose Morgan, a second grader at Adair County Primary Center.
The school district said their Crisis Response Team will be present after winter break to support the community.
Two other passengers in Ritzie’s vehicle, 66 year-old Susan Morgan, of Columbia, and a juvenile, were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Another juvenile passenger was also transported for treatment of minor injuries.
Hammack and his passenger, 45-year-old Walter Nichols of Bean Station, Tennessee, were treated and released at the scene.
Hammack was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide under the influence of alcohol, DUI fourth offense or greater and multiple counts of assault in the first and second degrees. He is currently lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.
Nichols was also arrested after allegedly becoming unruly and interfering with first responders, as they attempted to aid those involved in the collision, according to Kentucky State Police.
He was charged with third degree assault (EMS, fire, rescue squad), fourth degree assault (minor injury), terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication in a public place. He is also lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.
Kentucky State Police Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire and Rescue and the Adair County Coroner’s Office.
The collision remains under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.
Source: WBKO
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