LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – Police tell us one person is dead after a crash in Letcher County.
The three-vehicle crash involved a commercial vehicle. It happened near the Mayking area.
“It was just a downpour. It got real black, lightning and thundering, and you just couldn’t see how to drive,” said Garry Haley, who was stuck in traffic when the crash happened.
Business owners near the scene of the crash said they have seen dozens of accidents along U.S. 119. They told WYMT they have seen how dangerous the road can be.
“If you’re sitting still and there’s a line of traffic behind you, they’ll start cutting around you”, said local business owner Julie Rose. “And then the third or fourth car back, they don’t know you’re sitting there. They’re coming on.”
Six people were taken to Whitesburg ARH, fire department officials tell WYMT. Four injuries, including three children, were from the same family. One boy had to be taken from Whitesburg to Pikeville Medical Center. A 14-year-old girl was flown to Holston Valley Medical Center. The mother was taken to Pikeville Medical Center.
“Upon arrival, we found 3 vehicles, one with heavy damage. The fire had been extinguished by a fire extinguisher from a passer by,” said Charles Polly, Captain of the Mayking Fire Department.
Polly said they had to use the Jaws of Life to assist the EMT’s in removing the victims.
Family members said Breanna Hall, 8, died. Friends who knew her said she was a happy girl and always had a smile on her face.
