Alabama prison van crash kills two, injures five inmates
An Alabama Department of Corrections van transporting seven inmates was involved in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday that killed two people and left several others with serious injuries.
Alex City Community Based Facility inmates Willie Crayton, Jake Jones, Bruce Clements, Thomas Bass, Heath Garrett, Shawn Wasden and Richard Jackson were returning to the facility after work when the crash happened on Elder Road in Dadeville, said Kelly Betts, spokeswoman for the DOC.
Crayton was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, she said. Jones and Clements were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Clements died his injuries at the hospital, Betts said. Jones was transported to another hospital for further treatment. The other inmates were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the crash.
Commissioner John Hamm said he extends his condolences to the family and friends of inmates Crayton and Clements. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” Hamm said.
Hamm thanked the first responders in Tallapoosa County. “The quick and professional response of those first on the scene is very much appreciated by the ADOC," he said. "We will be doing all we can to support the staff and inmates affected by this tragic event.”
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama prison van crash kills two, injures five inmates
