El Reno community grieves four killed in wrong-way crash on I-40

Four young adults, including two recent El Reno High School graduates, were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 near Czech Hall Road in Canadian County early Tuesday morning. >> Download the KOCO 5 app | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning NewsletterThe Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the crash occurred just after 12:30 a.m. when a driver traveling the wrong way collided head-on with their vehicle. The impact caused the car to burst into flames, killing all four occupants. Authorities identified the victims as 20-year-old Kiercey Hickson from Stillwater, 19-year-old Quincy Jones, 18-year-old Haliegh Salazar, and 18-year-old Brad Palmer, all from El Reno. The El Reno Public Schools released a statement on social media expressing grief over the loss, saying their "hearts are heavy as they grieve alongside families, friends, classmates, and all who knew them."Counseling staff members have been made available at the school to support the community. The group had been heading to Bricktown to hang out and ride scooters, according to officials. The driver responsible for the crash is currently hospitalized and will face charges upon release. Troopers believe the driver was under the influence, noting that empty alcohol bottles were found in the vehicle. Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here."We just recently, this morning, earlier this morning, had a tragedy involving four young adults that were killed by a drunk driver, and it's completely unnecessary," said Lt. Mark Southhall, with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.Top HeadlinesFour dead, one critically injured after fiery wrong-way crash on I-40 in Canadian CountyDashcam video shows wrong-way driver moments before crash that killed 4 on I-40Video captures driver hitting 13-year-old girl with car while boarding her school busReaction to death of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle BuschTIMELINE: Risk zone shifts some as storms bring threat of hail, low tornado risk late Friday