Lawton Police Department patrol units had blocked the Interstate 44 near Medicine Park due to a collision between a semi truck and an Elgin School bus.
Initially, the Northbound I-44 was open to one lane of travel, but all lanes of I-44 are now open.
A serious crash involving an Elgin school bus and a semitruck on Interstate 44 on Monday afternoon sent 14 people to the hospital.
The collision happened near the Medicine Park exit (Exit 45) on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports that an auto hauler truck rear-ended the school bus, which was carrying students home from Elgin Public Schools.
In total, 14 people were injured.
Three people suffered injuries considered “major.” Two of the most seriously injured patients were airlifted to hospitals by helicopter, while another was taken by ambulance.
Thankfully, troopers at the scene confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement asking for prayers for those involved. Elgin Mayor JJ Francais also asked the community to “pray for our students, their families and the district.”
Please join me in praying for everyone involved in the crash between a school bus and a semi-truck near Lawton.
Gov. Kevin Stitt
The accident prompted an immediate response from multiple emergency crews.
The crash caused the interstate to be shut down in both directions for several hours, though lanes were slowly reopened before sunset.
Law enforcement patrol units blocked northbound traffic on I-44 at Roger’s Lane, forcing motorists to exit. Officials also confirmed that the southbound lanes were shut down at the Elgin exit.
The interstate remained closed in both directions for several hours as crews worked the scene.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), northbound I-44 was reduced to a single lane of travel around 5:45 p.m. Officials urged drivers in the area to remain cautious and be mindful of emergency responders still on-site.
By 8:05 p.m., ODOT confirmed that all lanes of I-44 were once again open to traffic.
🚨*** UPDATE ***
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
All lanes of I-44 are now open at SH-49/Medicine Park/Carnegie near Lawton following earlier crash.
The OHP is still investigating what caused the crash. Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling through the area, as crews may still be clearing the scene.
This area has been a magnet for rushed drivers, distracted drivers, and inexperienced drivers. Be safe. Stay attentive. Maintain speed limits posted.
Dorothy Wallace
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