A head-on accident that occurred on Hwy 63 in Portia has claimed two lives and serious injured another. The accident happened just after 9:30 in front of the Jordan’s Truck Stop in Portia.
Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored van driving at a high rate of speed without headlights on shortly before the deadly crash.
According to ASP, Zach Barton 28 years old of Walnut Ridge was killed when his 2016 Jeep Cherokee traveling southbound was stuck by a 2017 Dodge Caravan driven by Nicholas McCarroll, 38 years old, also of Walnut Ridge. Reports state the McCarroll vehicle crossed the centerline . McCarroll was also killed in the crash.
The female passenger in the Jeep identified as 28 year old, Elaina Barton by ASP was flown by Survival Flight to a Memphis hospital in serious condition.
Hwy 63 was closed for 2 1/2 hours.
Zach Barton was a former Lawrence County Deputy, former Black Rock Police Officer and a current Jonesboro PD Officer.
Portia Fire, Walnut Ridge Fire, Walnut Ridge PD, Hoxie PD, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies, Arkansas State Police and Black Rock Police were all on scene.
The fatal crash was investigated by the Arkansas State Police.