The Arkansas State Police is investigating a series of early morning crashes Monday along westbound Interstate 30 between Hope and Fulton that left three people dead and several others injured.
The first crash occurred around 1 near the 18-mile marker. Jonathan Gary Williams, 44, of Sherwood, an Arkansas Department of Transportation contractor, was struck and killed while working from a specialized trailer applying roadway reflectors. Authorities say he was hit by a 2004 Buick Century. The driver fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located.
A second collision, involving two vehicles, occurred at approximately 2:15 near the 19-mile marker. Minor injuries were reported, and both drivers were treated at the scene.
The third and most severe crash happened shortly after near the 20-mile marker and involved three tractor-trailers and a pickup truck. Two passengers in the pickup Jonathan Garcia, 25, and Javier Rivera, 61, both of Hope were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and another passenger sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals.
Westbound lanes of I-30 were temporarily shut down to allow for investigation and cleanup. One lane reopened around 9:00 a.m., and all lanes were fully reopened by noon.
Arkansas State Police urge drivers to exercise extreme caution in work zones and ask anyone with information related to the hit-and-run to contact authorities.
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