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Three Dead After Flomaton Traffic Crash, One Critical (Updated With All Names)
August 31, 2010
A wreck Monday afternoon in Flomaton has claimed the lives of three people, including a nine year old boy.
Family members say Stephen Carl Thompson, 33, and his son, Nathan, 9, died in the accident. Both Bay Minette residents were killed instantly in the horrific crash about 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 113 and Highway 31.
Alice Bradley Bradford, 79, of Pensacola, died Monday at Baptist Hospital. Her husband, Edward M. Bradford, 80, remained in critical condition Tuesday at Sacred Heart Hospital.
Thompson and his son were traveling north on Highway 31 in a maroon Mercury Grand Marquis when their vehicle was struck by a silver Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Alice Bradford. Both of the elderly victims were airlifted from the scene in critical condition by two separate LifeFlight helicopters.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the scene, click here.
The impact of the crash pushed both vehicles off the highway into a service bay at Rowland’s Tires. Witnesses said they never heard the screech of tires as either car braked. All they heard was what sounded like an explosion.
Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton was at the nearby firehouse when he was alerted to the crash. “I knew it was real bad when I got here,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of bad wrecks. This was a real, real bad accident.”
Monday afternoon, many witnesses and emergency responders were quick to point out the number of severe accidents that happen at the intersection. In February, 2009, two Pensacola men died and three others were critically injured in a fiery crash when they failed to stop at the end of Highway 113 and plowed into a billboard support at the corner of the tire store. (Click here for photos from that wreck.)
The Flomaton Fire Department, Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, the Century, McDavid and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, D.W. McMillan Ambulance, Atmore Ambulance, Flomaton Police Department, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers responded to the crash.
Pictured: Three people died as a result of this wreck Monday afternoon in Flomaton. The bottom inset photo by Alisa Hart shows one vehicle after it was righted. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
120 Responses to “Three Dead After Flomaton Traffic Crash, One Critical (Updated With All Names)”
Although I may never know the reason for this tragedy. I do know that we will see them again.
I was 11 and he was 9.How suddenly my dad and brother passed is hearbreaking.My siblings and I were homeschooled.I was caught up with my school work as was Nathan.I was to leave that morning with my dad as I had a few mornings throughout the year.We were pulling out when my mom came outside,asking me to stay home to help her with a few things.I came in,Nathan asked if he could go since he’d never ridden to work with my dad before.Later that day,the cops pulled in behind my grandparents.As the cops told us the room grew silent in shock then slow trickle of tears.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all. This was truly an accident because Alice was an RN dedicated to saving lives. We cry for so many to loose their lives in a single accident so quickly. May god bless and keep us all.
Rob and Helen, Thank you for the kind thoughts and words that you expressed here. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as well as the other family members involved in the terribly tragedy.
My prayers and thoughs are with both families in this time of loss.
I have helplessly watched this story from afar. All four persons involved have died. The reason why they died is less relevant than why they lived, which was to bring love into the world. I didn’t know the Thompsons; from the comments and news coverage they seemed like good people who did bring love to the world. I knew the Bradfords, and know that they also brought love. I mourn the untimely loss of them all. But, I am comforted to believe that God has now recieved them all in His loving embrace, and has thanked them for all they did. This tragedy is shocking, and anger is an understandable emotion, whether directed toward old people, toward God, toward the intersection, toward helplessness. I pray not only for the souls of those lost, but also for us who are affected enough to speak up on this blog. Ask: how can we respond constructively? What loving action can we take? Can we persistently work to make the intersection safer? Can we talk compassionately with our older relatives and friends about their abilities to drive? Can we help them find support, perhaps by driving them, or finding others to drive them? Can we be understanding with those who struggle with anger over this, whether or not we agree with them? And will we do these things not just now, but tomorrow? Or, next year? Let the example of these four persons inspire us to do good for others.
Ed Bradford, the fourth victim, passed away
peacefully this week at Sacred Heart Hospital.
My uncle passed away Friday. He and his wife were two of the finest people I have been privileged to know. He was retired career Army and she was a former nurse. They always had a kind word and were always available to listen to you. I know they are in the Lord’s hands now, along with the young man and his son. I don’t know why these things happen; they are sad for us who are left behind. I only think that God needs them more than we do. The caring remarks and prayers from readers have been a great comfort to our family.
Ecclesiates 3: 1-2
1]to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;
2] a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted
we need to stop saying what if and why
we need to pray for God’s comfort to be with both these families
none of us are promise tomorrow or even our next breath
we need to be mindful of how these families are hurting
it could be one of us
my love and prayers go out to both families
To lola. . .Everything DOES happen for a reason. You have to think before you ask Why a child? What if he would have lived through this as bad as it was, he could have been physically disabled or even mentally after this. Theres a reason for everything. If he would have lived he MAY have had a hard life ahead of him and God just didnt want him to suffer. You just never know. My heart does go out the 4 of them and there familys. Does anyone know how the elderly man is doing? God be with him if he has made it through. He has to cope with the accident, injuries and losing his wife. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
yep, I never assume folks coming into an intersection will stop on red. I hope they do but too often they don’t.
I wonder if STOP AHEAD painted on the pavement a few times might help. I know rumble strips a few hundred feet back help. White lines that get closer together as you get closer to the intersection seem to get across the need to slow down too.
David considering how to avoid future tragedies
What David says makes good sense but this wasn’t a straight line wreck. In the upper left corner of picture # 088 above, is the billboard pole with a wreath on it. This is pretty much directly in front of the right lane. If you look at the indention into the maroon car on picture # 088 and the fact that the left front wheel and frame are driven back much further than the right on the silver car (item #63758 in the picture gallery) you can see that the silver car was moving to the right at the end of 113 but not enough to say the driver was trying to make the right turn. The last mile or so of 113 is a straight line to 31. 113 is a 4 lane road with a median lane. If this lady became disabled after the straight began and the car was on cruise it could easily wander on down this wide road untill it reached the end. It’s just speculation but it’s the only thing that makes sense to me. It seems to me that if either of the two would have been the least bit aware this accident would not have happened at the high speed rate.
I could not imagine having to live through this nightmare. Prayer is the only answer I have. I just wish that people would quit blaming the intersection. Every intersection is dangerous. There are several intersections in our area where the road comes to a dead end at a “T”. I also saw the Fox 10 News where the son was blaming the intersection. I also saw some other media outlets where the family was blaming the intersection because the lady had no medical problems. I can understand losing a family member so sudden would cause use to look for answers or maybe lay blame, but the intersection is not the problem. The speed limit changes to 45 mph 1.5 miles up the highway. That’s not counting all the other road signs warning of speed reductions ahead, intersection ahead, red light ahead. That’s also not taking into the account the red light itself, or the massive building sitting at the end of the road. This lady obviously had a heart attack or something. I’ve got friends and family that work in the medical profession and they’ll tell you that most people that have heart attacks while driving will slam on the gas. This has been documented several times in accident investigation reports. Hopefully this lady’s autopsy will identify the causes. This lady never hit the brakes, nor was she going 45 mph. From all accounts, it’s been estimated that she was running around 90 mph, which is usually determined on the scene by using basic algebra. That seems like an accurate account since the red vehicles driver door has been smashed into the passengers side door. Not counting the force knocked both vehicles 65 feet from the point of impact to their final resting place inside the bay of Roland’s Tires. It’s just ashame so many people get on here blaming the intersection, when the simple fact is it’s a very tragic accident that claimed the lives of three people. The intial assumption from anyone with vehicle accident investigation experience will tell you the elderly lady was probably being debilitated by a medical condition. God bless all those involved.
this is really sad that this happened. i am praying for the family and i hope yje best for the family and i am sending love and sorrow your way………
a person who’s asleep or disabled tends to not follow a straight line, though.
I agree with ER nurse, this was an accident. According to witness the older lady was driving the car and no brakes were applied. The most likely scenario here is that her husband had fallen asleep and she either fell asleep or became physically disabled for one reason or another (stroke, heart attack, ect) . If a person becomes physically disabled while driving a vehicle, normally your foot would relax and back off the gas pedal. The cruise control was likely set causing this high speed crash. If the lady had fallen asleep, speed breakers might have prevented this accident and a set of strobe caution lights about 200 yds. from the red light would have most likely prevented the accident in 2009 caused by heavy fog. Officials should push the state for these two preventions at this intersection and I’m sure they will after this.
i pray for these family members that has lost these loved ones.God will give you the strenght to carry on through this terriable time.
As for thr Atmore person she will be old one day if her road rage doesn’t get her first.
I don’t know why things happen like this. I do have faith in God. I lost 3 members of my family back in 1995 and i still can’t find the answer to it. It sounds like that intersection should have been more planned out like someone posted earlier about the slow down bumpers. I know we are suppossed to have faith and i do, but in cases like this i just can’t understand why. I just hope and Pray the the family members left behind can somehow function and see a way to bing solace to thier lives.
Please be kind with your words when commenting on this tragedy. This was truly an accident, not the fault of an intersection or an “old” driver……. an accident.
To be harsh on the driver of the silver car is unfair, you do not know what happened. I mourn for all 4 of the people involved, the father and son and also the husband and wife.
A mother lost her husband and son in a quick moment and other children have already lost their mother but possibly their father as well, in that same moment.
I will pray for all of them.
Don’t be so quick to place blame or look for blame, it could happen to any of us at anytime.
As to why Nathan wasn’t in school…. He was HOME SCHOOLED. This could have been a “lesson”, or maybe an incentive toward a special project. Besides who are you to judge?
To Joe Bloe- Prayers are needed for both families instead of bashing a comment made by a hurting family member.No blame was implied by the son’s statement.Our Heavenly Father is in control and August 30th He brought 3 of His children Home.Will you be ready when your life is done on earth or will you spend wasted time with anger?What road sign gets your attention-yield,road work ahead,caution,red light,men at work,double fine for speeding or the one often seen,Do you know your going to Heaven?Have you been saved?Joe maybe you need to think before you speak.What is your destiny?Do you know if you or your family will be here tomorrow?SLOW DOWN ,WORK IN PROGRESS! God bless you Joe Bloe!To both families-May God be with you and embrace your breaking hearts.
HUH…..I could not agree with you more about the turning lanes at pizza hut…..Several years ago…we were at the red light at a complete stop in the outside lane. When the light turned green we proceeded…I guess this dump truck was coming up behind me in the inside lane and just came on over and hit my car…which then made me hit the yield sign and put a big huge hole in back driver side door; where my daughter was sitting….she had glass embedded in her legs and arm…..My son was so scared that even today at 15 he hates that turn…
REGARDING:
Atmore Girl on August 31st, 2010 1:50 am
“I have cursed plenty of old folks out because I have road rage and they just cant drive!! ”
Bless you, child.
Try to work on that flaw in your personality. If you feel it coming on, please pull off the side of the road until you have it under control lest you say and/or do something you will regret the rest of your life.
Other people won’t drive as you do and many will break the law–accidentally or on purpose. Make allowances for your own sake. Learn from their wrongs. Consider if they are really wrong or if they see something you have missed.
David regretting a tragedy
and hoping to avoid another
My prayers and condolences go out to the family’s of all involved in the horrific accident. I cannot imagine what they are going through, I just want them to know that they are in my prayers & thoughts.
I’m not a big Church goer, nor do I read my Bibile every night, although I should. But I do believe in God, I believe He is an Awesome God at that. And I believe that He has a plan for everyone of us. I hear of people getting killed in wrecks, or dying of heart attacks, or cancer. I hear of children dying, as well as adults, teen-agers and “old-timers”. God has a plan for EVERYONE. His plan may not be what we want, but that’s why He is the Almighty. No one ever knows what else would’ve happened to people who pass on. If one dies in a car wreck, who’s to say that he/she would’ve have endured a lengthy illness where he/she may have suffered? A child that is diagnosed with cancer might have grown up to be a druggie or maybe the diagnosis was to make a mother go out to help save other children or make other people aware of such sickness. No one knows what will happen in their life. I have a son leaving for Afghanistan in 2 months, what do I expect? I’m hoping and praying for his safe return. But, I don’t know what GOD has instore for my son, or myself. But I do know that whatever happens, it’s for a very good reason.
Again, my condolences to the famlies. May God Bless You in ways that you never imagined. I saw a beautiful sunrise this morning and at that moment I knew that God was watching over me.
Our thoughts and prayers are with both families.
I just have to ponder………..the elderly couple’s son was on fox 10 news saying he knew which intersection they wrecked at when his sister called him……that it is a dangerous intersection…………#1: any intersection is dangerous when exceeding the speed limit by 40 mph, #2: there is 6 directional junction signs, a traffic signal ahead sign, arrow signs and a traffic signal denoting some type of intersection, #3: there is a huge building all the way across the intersection!!!! Quit blaming everyone else!!
I know god everything happens for a reason. Why a child??
I was surprised to find out that the maroon car was a Crown Vic (I couldn’t tell what it was). That silver car must have been going pretty darn fast.
I just have to ask: Why wasn’t Nathan in school that day?
My heart goes out to both familes. According to The Word in Isaiah 40…God will comfort His people. There is little anyone can say to help ease the pain but it is comforting and it does mean a lot when you’ve lost a loved one. Having friends and family around to lean on and lean on their faith as well in our time of weakness. God
bless these families with peace and God guide the posters on the blog to be kind.
Many prayers are going out to the Thompson family – it is hard for me to think of Stephen and his son being gone. I grew up with them, and now live not 45 minutes from where the accident took place. It makes it all too real. God bless and keep your family.
@mz liz…………….what a wonderful thing you have shared! God bless you!
Repying to Atmore Girl. We all get old if we are fortunate enought to do so. Yes, lots of old people take medications which are prescribed by a doctor. Some of these drugs may impair their driving ability, most don’t. BUT LOTS of YOUNG PEOPLE take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor and then drink alcohol and drive. Should all young people be drug tested regularly? Maybe young people shouldn’t be allowed to drive until they become OLD PEOPLE!
Lee our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and with Mr Bradford and his family. GOD BLESS!
a ray of sunshine for the family. i own the flower shop next to where the wreck happen. didn’t see it be heard it & felt my building shake
i ran outside and saw the car [ at that time i didn't know another car was inside couldn't see it from where i was] i am a christain and held may hand toward the vechile and begin to pray for God’s mercy to be upon whoever was in the car.
as i was praying the holy spirit came upon me and i could sense the lord in the mist and at that time i felt whoever it was had been taken to be with our heavenly Father. i know some folks my think i’m nuts and i wasn’t going to share what i felt but after praying and couldn’t sleep last night i feel it will be a comfort to your family to know they are in God’s loving arms and one day you will see them again
may God comfort you all. to all other readers , where would you spend eternity if you left this world in a split second ?
I am so sorry for your loss!!! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families. We lost our daughter and granddaughter 4 months ago in an automobile accident and it still hurts so bad, the best thing anyone can do for these families is keep them in your prayers.
oops, lets not forget, the wonderful EMS workers, who worked so hard to save those lives…..
I used to go to church with this family and babysitt Nathan when he was a baby.. My heart goes out to Christie and the family.
I was there after the wreck happended taking pictures for one of the news outlets & there were a LOT of people taking pictures…HOWEVER, news reporters from the Mobile Press Register were actually coming back from the train wreck in Brewton and when they saw what had happened, the began taking pics of this wreck as well! ALSO, the police department, fire department, Sherrif’s office & the State Troopers were all taking their pics for their departments as well. (Which HAVE to be done!) On top of ALL those people, there were INS companies there taking pics for obvious reasons. Now I know there may have been some bystanders taking pics & in this day and age w/all the technology everyone has a camera of some sort, but, I wanted to clarify that MOST all the people around were either witnesses, firemen, life flight crew, police, news reporters & local business owners…I KNOW, because I was there!
I knew Stephen as a boy, and he was a fine Christian and an example of what we all want our children to grow up to be. Please pray for his family. I am sure they are devastated.
Prayers going out to both of the families….terrble tradgedy.
my condolences to the families affected by this accident you all are in my thoughts and prayers
I think everyone should take Bama:s advise and lets think about the family that just lost there love ones and leave the road along. People just don’t know when it hurts when people try to say thing like speed, they are old. These are people family.
the intersection has a red light not a caution light
Thank you for your prayers for our family
I think people should stop worrying about what could be done to the road, and consider the families that just lost there loved ones. If u have comments to make about the road do it at another time.
God Bless All the families involved. It is not the place to bash anyone, But those who are, when was the last time you ran an errand for an elderly person?
What a tragedy.
Prayers for both families, and a salute to a fallen Soldier and his son.
The dear older couple attended their daughter-in laws college graduration on Sunday.I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with them , my husband,daughter,and their son.We had a wonderful day.They have four children.and grandchildren that love them very much.Their Mom died, Dad in critical condition.We are never ready to let our loved ones go,but none of us are promised to live until we are (ready!) Both families are heavy hearted-I know the Mom(driver of car)would be devastated at the loss of the young boy and his Dad.We are all praying for the family.Please allow God to enter your hearts and minds.This horrrible accident was not the result of (loss of vision,being old or on medication.It is as it is (an accident) Two families planning sudden funerals.God love to all!
For the family’s of these lost cherished loved ones our prayers are with you all.
I as a mother cant imagine that pain of losing a child. For the mother of Nathan may god hold your hand through these almost impossible times and let him comfort you and keep you strong for your children. I am so sorry and all my prayers are with all of you..
Nathan,
He was so young,
so handsome,
so full of hope and promise.
What a blessing he has been
to all of us who knew him.
those 9 years
He taught us to love,
to hope beyond expectation,
to trust in that which is unseen.
He drew us together
in our anxiety,
our moments of despairing and hopelessness,
as well as in our joys and delight,
and in his every breath.
His life ended prematurely;
We wept.
The tears continue.
We hugged
and held one another.
The pain will always linger.
Our hearts emptier
for his absence
and the unfulfilled dreams
He promised.
But the love he brought
into our lives will live forever.
Thank you for giving him to us.
Thank you for the blessing
that he will always be.
Thank you for the love we
would never have known,
but for him
and his years with us.
Thank you for nathan
our blessed child of grace.
Amen.
this is so sad and i will pray for everyone involved. i’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. even with the caution light this is still a dangerous intersection, especially for people who are not from the area.
i just want to say one thing though.
i came on this wreck right after it happened, i think it is DISGUSTING that all i saw were hundreds of people GAWKING AND POINTING AND BREAKING THEIR NECKS TRYING TO GET A LOOK AT THE WRECK, AND TAKING PICTURES, seriously? it was disgusting and it made me sick to my stomach to see the way people were acting. You would of thought it was a carnival the way people were acting.
DISGUSTING and I hope everyone that was doing that is ashamed of themselves. now i know maybe some people were trying to get pictures for the news, but really, everything i saw was just SICK.
I talked to this man and child at Walgreen’s in Atmore around 1:45 P.M. He had his car backed up to the Red Box Movie and putting movies in. I asked the child why he wasn’t in school and he said he was helping his Dad work. This just makes me soooo sad. I wish I had talked longer.
I have know the Thompson family for a long time. What an amazing family.it was very sad to hear about this accident. My prayers go out to all involved. Gonna miss you guys. Hoooooooah GodSpeed
i just got in a wreck not to long ago. it was scary just seeing someone pullout in front of me and the only thing to do is put on brakes and hope for the best but the worst thing was to see was when i got out and saw the boy i had hit was paased out. i know how the families feel i have had a lost in my family and its not easy to get over but i hope for the best of ya GOD BLESS
Oh what a sad situation all around.
My prayers to all involved, to both sides of family members.
It is nice to know that the deceased is a Christan. A soldier and a Father so sad he and his son had to leave us so early. Go Bless Our Troops and their families!
My prayers go out to both of these families. and people this is about opening our hearts not out mouths.
Instead of bad mouthing our elder’s when none of us know what happened, we need to be asking how we can help both these family.
I can’t fathom this! It is so despressing and sad…..My heart goes out to ALL of families whose loved ones killed or injured. This is just a testimony that we all have to keep our eyes and ears open. And look every which direction, because you just never know what’s coming.
Ever since the accident happened in Brewton, I just have a tendency now to look always at my surrounding…..just frightening to know.
I feel so sorry for these poor families. & In my opinion, there are a lot less old folks that “cant drive” than young folks that cant, @ least the old people drive SLOW, most of the time. Younger people get on the road and see how fast they can drive. Passing people, txting and everything else! And as far as “old people being on a lot of medicine” lets think about all the people that get on the roads on drugs and drunk and everything else, I would much rather be on the road with someone that is old that someone thats drunk or high or whatever. May God comfort these 2 families and I wish some of the people representing Atmore would think before they type on here
Our prayers go out to both families. May God hold you in His hands and help you through this terrible tragedy.
After age 60 elderly should be forced to re take a drivers test every few years or lose their licence
It will never happy because those are majority of the voters, but bottom line is we dont let 15 year olds drive by themselves , a person is required to drive with them. If we can do that, why can’t we do it for the elderly?
This terrible accident could have been possibly avoided with those measures in place
Oh please have the hwy department go out there and carve the lines in the pavement again! This is such a simple step that could go so far to help prevent such an unnecessary accident from happening again!
Lord bless the families of those who died, be near those who survived, and thank You Lord for the rescue workers who give of themselves every day in responding….
this is truly sad and i feel so deeply sorry for the family…my prayer goes out the families…
Atmore girl…one day you too will be elderly. You will probably have more sense at that age, I pray that you do. It is obvious that you are most likely a dangerous driver yourself. Do you text and drive??? You are cursing at the elderly and proud of it??? You just gave me someone else to pray for honey. I pray you grow up, grow a more compassionate heart and think before you speak.
Prayers going up for the families of those involved, and for the medics and law enforcement at the scene. Look to Jesus for your help and comfort during this time, He is the only way.
i agree with a soldiers wife! this is a tragic accident and i feel for both of the familys. our thoughts and prayers go to both familys.
Having older ppl take test, or lose their license is not the answer! It is a law that you must have insurance on every vehicle, how many ppl are driving around without insurance until they get caught or time to renew license. To Atmore Girl and Really, Do you know how many ppl are driving without a license? I just took a man to get his license back, they have been suspended since 1984, but he never quit driving and only got caught last month.
So why don’t we stop this debate on this site, and turn it into a place the families can come to and read messages that they are in our thoughts and prayers! Stop and think before you type Atmore Girl this could have been your dad and brother!
May God bless and Keep you! I pray for both families that are mouring their loved ones!
I’m pretty sure the men that died in 09 were under 30 years ..were they too old to drive ?
I somewhat agree with atmore girl some elderly people should have to take a test each year to renew their license. Not saying young folks don’t drive crazy but you know as u get older ur reactions as well as ur sight gets worse each year so maybe they should be tested more to male sure they are safe to put on the road. If they were tested this young boy and his father may still be with us as well as the elderly lady. In either case this is a horrible accident and my thoughts and prayers are with both families.
Correction to below. I am upset and misspelled names. Christie and Stephen. Crying while typing.
This is my family and we are speechless and heartbroken. I am a paramedic in Florida and I wanted to thank the men and women that tried so hard to save them. Christy is my counsin and we love them so very much. I know that Steven and Nathan walked away holding on to each other. I know they walked away with God. From the pictures I know they where taken quickly. Thank you to the Flight crew whom flew little Nathen out. I know that you did your best. I wish I could find the words but I just can’t right now. Thank you to everyone! PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FAMILY if you are friends with them left them up. I am far away and not sure at this moment if I will be able to get there. Christy, I love you honey and my heart is with you and the kids and my the rest of our family. Steven and Nathan WE LOVE YOU GOD SPEED! Melissa Meadows
I can’t believe the comment left from Atmore Girl. I am from Atmore myself, and am glad that we girls from Atmore do not all have the same mentality as she does. For your information, young people have issues with driving same as the old and middle age. Some young drivers take medication just as some old drivers do. You should really think before you speak, write or pretty much anything else.
Not from there and dont know the intersection. Does anyone know what might have happened?
Thoughts and prayers to both families. I cannot imagine losing my husband and son in the same day. Nor could I imagine losing my mother
I just wanted to give some insight to the family I know that lost someone in this wreck. Stephen Thompson was not only a husband and Daddy, he was a soldier for the Army National Guard. He is someone that has faught for everyone’s freedom. He was married and had 4 children. So the family is grieving over the lost of a great man and his young son. All of the soldiers from his unit are just in shock, including my husband. I could not imagine the feeling of loosing your child and husband especially as instant and unexpected as it happened. I hate to see people on here making a fuss over the older people that hit them. I could see be outraged if it was a drunk or somethng that hit them. This is not a time to point fingers and be mean. This is a time to send a prayer out to both familes. The older lady that has passed away was probably someone’s mother-grandmother-sister-friend-daughter. And if the older man makes it through, think how bad he is already going to feel. I’m pretty sure this wasn’t intentional. Please people stop being mean, have a heart.
What a wonderful, uplifting, comment from the EMS worker. Thank you.for all you do everyday.
Im one of the medics that responded to this accident. These kind of calls dont get any easier. Really broke my heart for both families. The bright spot is that I learned Mr. Thompson was a Christian man so I know that he and his son are walking hand in hand and that his family will see them again one day. To both families, know that everyone in EMS are thinking of ya’ll.
>> I feel like this accident got caught on the video camera that the news had put up at this intersection….William, do you have any idea if this has been viewed by police to see exactly what happened.
The camera is operated by the Alabama Department of Transportation. I had someone pull it up yesterday while I was driving to the wreck, and it was pointed toward Highway 31 toward Brewton — away from the intersection. But it can be moved. The authorities will check to see if it was recorded.
I feel like this accident got caught on the video camera that the news had put up at this intersection….William, do you have any idea if this has been viewed by police to see exactly what happened. My heart goes out to this family, I cannot imagine what your going through, but i hope and pray you get through it and that your pain is comforted by God.
Its a very sad tragedy these accidents keep happening. My prayers & condolences to the fam of the lost ones. And the injured(s) are to safe & quick recovery. Its very upsetting knowing a child was involve or just anyone period. Alot of people are saying more lights, speed reduce bumps, signs, etc; theres no reason to miss the lights on that int nor miss the speed limit signs. obviousaly was speeding, mostlikely not paying attenion. It wasnt raining at the time when I passed by it entering the gas station it 5 mins after so no excused & if it was a car failure; the impact would have not been as severe as it was. its not a dangerous intersection, it just happens to be wreckless drivers out there that dont think nor measure their actions. If so; the servivor should face legal consequences & be responsible for what was done.
Thank you KB, and for atmore girl watch the road rage that causes accidents too. My prayers are with the families at this terrible time may you find peace in months ahead.
Atmore Girl, Let’s see how your thinking changes with a little age! Don’t be so quick to place blame on age. There was a song from my teenage years that always reminds me to be more soft with those that have the gray hair…”Someday We Will Be Old Folks Too”. Young people have their share of blame on the road because they lack the experience to make sound decisions. Say a prayer for the families involved and leave the “blame game” out of this comment section! (please)
Tears and prayers for this family.
I think after a certain age you should loose your DL!!!! Some old people just cant drive!! They drive down the middle of the road and dont stop at all lights and signs!! I have cursed plenty of old folks out because I have road rage and they just cant drive!! Dont old people take a lot of medication????? Im pretty sure its not safe for them to be behind the wheel!!!!!!!!!
First of all thought and prayers should go out to that mother and wife. I have a son the same age i feel for you. god wont give you more than you cant handle. trst him and he will be theree. God Bless You! People want to complain about that areae well when officer neal or officer till or officer thompson stops people for speeding through there people get mad and complain that they are writing to mant tickets. What would people want to happen officer neal and them keep up with writting the tickets or have more tradgies.And just to say i know those 3 officers do wonderful jobs!!
To readers of these comments that have never seen the intersection of hwy113 and hwy31, 113 is a strait 90% dead end into 31 for at least the last half mile or more and a half blind man can see that it is a dead end for at least the last quarter mile. A few weeks ago a Lincoln car was referred to my shop because the lady thought she had a transmission problem. Upon driving the car I found it to be an engine running problem. I turned the car over to my partner which handles the tuneup part of our shop. When he drove the car it stopped excellerating and a message came across the dash that said electronic throttle problem. When you depress the excellerator on a car with electronic throttle you are sending a resisted signal to the computer which relays a resisted signal to an actuator that controls the throttle at the engine. It’s plain to see that the Lincoln that ran through this dead end was traveling at a high speed. Could this be from a throttle problem. I hope the driver of this car lives to tell what really caused this terrible accident.
For everyone that wants to comment on the intersection at hwy 113 and hwy 31 there is nothing that can be done every precaution has been taken. There is signs that post a certain speed limit, lights, and officers who try their best to control the area as much as possible. The town loves to talk about how officers are always writing tickets and not doing their job on hwy 113 but then when a tragic accident happens the officers are not doing enough. Also one may say there is not enough money for the town to do anything with hwy 31 and hwy 113. When a person gets behind of the wheel of a vehicle they take on their own responsibilty not to speed and to be mindful of other drivers. The town of flomaton could put up speed bumps, road signs, traffic lights, and everything else and there will still be accidents on that road because people feel the need to do 65 to 80 on a hwy that is clearly marked 45 mph.
On another note. This is nothing but a tragic accident and my heart goes out to both families in their time of need. It is sad that this had to happen in this manner but the only thing i can say is God has called them home and they have served their purpose here on earth. I pray that God sends peace and healing to each and every person who has been affected in this horrible accident. Also that God brings comfort to The mother of the nine year old child and her husband. I am Truly sorry and i will be praying for both families.
33 and 9 years old. Almost exactly the ages of my son and my grandson. I can’t imagine the pain that family is in tonight and I pray to my Lord and Savior that I never have to know that pain. I don’t blame the town of Flomaton, state, the other driver or anyone else. The elderly driver of the southbound car evidently had some serious medical problems just prior to the crash. We may never know why it happened, but it happened. This man and his son were coming through the intersection when it happened and they’re gone. All we can do is mourn their loss and pray for their family.
I had been through that intersection only a short time before. It could have been me, it could have been you, it could have been one of the school buses that were due to come through that intersection only a few minutes after the crash. But it happened. It’s done and all the recriminations and pointing of fingers won’t help anyone. All we can do is pray for the family of the ones that died and also for the other parties, for I feel this was a true accident – there was no way to prevent it.
We also need to pray for the first responders and the fire department volunteers that had to work this awful scene. They will be a long time erasing these images from their minds. When a child is involved, it is very hard to put it behind you.
As a side note, one of the first EMT’s to arrive at the scene jumped out of his truck and left it running. While he was trying to help the victims of the crash, his truck overheated and ruined the engine. He’s retired and living on a fixed income. He needs our prayers too!
Anne Flowers,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can’t imagine the pain and anguish you all must feel. There is never anything to say that makes it better. I just hope all of you come to a peaceful place with this very soon.
Thank you all for your kindness and condolences. That was my nephew and his son. They were 33 and 9 years old. We appreciate ylour prayers. Thank you all very much!!
So sad, A wife lost her husband and son today and 3 children lost their daddy and brother. Stephen and Nathan you will be missed so much. May God be with the family.
Very true “jaymomma”, very true….appreciate them every chance you get, you never know when it will be your last. Life is so precious. And I am so sad for all of these people and their families.
Both families involved are in my thoughts tonight. Be sure to tell the ones you love that you love them now because we never know when it is our time to go.
I am not from the area but having worked several wrecks over the past 20 years, one thing is clear from the pictures, at least one of the vehicles was traveling at a significant rate of speed. Both cars sustained heavy damage and the maroon vehicle’s driver’s seat is broken, which from my experience takes a great deal of force. Irregardless, two lives have been lost and two are in the hospital as a result of this accident. The fact that a child was killed makes it even more tragic. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and classmates of the child who was killed. My deepest condolences to the other person who lost their life and my prayers to those who were injured. Such a sad, sad story.
The other thing is that it is a state highway – the city of Flomaton can’t do anything except write speeding tickets. The highway does not belong to Flomaton, it’s just in Flomaton.
On the other hand – Someone mentioned there could have been a medical problem with the southbound driver – God only knows what happened and it just goes to prove that when it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go – whether in a car accident, heart attack it’s just time to go. I know it sounds cold but that’s the way it is.
Only problem with the intersection is often when the light is green, people in the turning lane also have a green light, but not a “green arrow” when turning to go to the interstate
very often they keep turning in front of on coming traffic.
Another problem, is by pizza hut, near hardees , when both turning lanes are going left, towards florida, often cars from the inside lane cut over to the other lane without knowing it. It needs some sort of divider poles
someone said they “think ” the person driving was having medical problems..Who knows when you get in a vehicle if you will return home? Don;t know all the details but I know the Holy Spirit came to comfort us in times like these. I pray he does that to these family members left behing and those that are in the hospital. My heartfelt prayers are with them all.
Whats funny is that everyone gets on here whinning about the Flomaton Police Officers writing tickets on 113 all day.
I also don’t think there could be many improvements to the intersections. The speed limit on 113 drops to 45mps about 1 mile before the intersection. The only other thing that could be done is to put “rumble bumps” on the road. We also don’t know what may have been going on inside the car the ran the intersection.
look below, think me not her
REGARDING:
“Does this road have to turn into blood before someone fixes the problem?”
The problem is that some people don’t stop. The road stops but they don’t. It’s well marked, plenty of visibility, lots of signs, a traffic signal. If you figure out how to fix people, let us know.
I use to live in Flomaton and when I come to visit my family I travel from the interstate down hwy 113 to hwy 31. I do believe this intersection is very dangerous but so is traveling at a high speed, which a lot of people are guilty of, including myself. Regardless of the causes, people should slow down and always think about if it was them having the bad news delivered to your very own loved ones or if the bad news was being delivered to others because of your reactions. I now work at a hospital and see things and images I never wanted to see, so please slow down and drive responsible. I hope the City of Flomaton does something to help prevent speeding on hwy 113. My prayers are with the people involved.
May God be with the injured and the families of those who were lost.
I agree that the bumps probably would help, however, the speed limit all the way through the city limits on 113 is 45 mph, there was plenty of time to slow down, but folks don’t want to take responsibility for their own actions.
I don’t know this intersection, but I know 3 children and their mother who are at home devastated at the lost of a father and brother. He wasn’t even 12. Does this road have to turn into blood before someone fixes the problem?
Too many people have died in this spot! We, as citizens of the Town of Flomaton need to stand up and see that something is done! I’m personally tired of seeing wreaths @ Rowlands!!!
*Jash* {Quote} If the speed bumps had of been replaced after the construction of 4-lane on Hwy 113 was complete, these 2 people would probably still be alive.
I highly doubt that even speed bumps would have helped, with the high rate of speed of the vehicle traveling 113. My heart goes out to the family and friends that have lost their loved ones, and I hope the other parties involved will be alright. This was a very tragic wreck! And I do agree, they do need to do something about 113 coming onto 31, there have been too many wrecks in that area…
Prayers!!
Seriously??!!?? How many must DIE at this intersection before something is done?? SAD!!!!!!!!! My prayers go out to both families and to the two in critical condition.
My prayers go out to these families! May GOD’s peace be with both families, also!
oh wow, thats horrible. my condolences go out to the families of the deceased as well as the critical persons in the hospital. I wish them a full recovery
I usually sit about where it landed when having work done.
Rough
Too many wrecks have happend at this intersection. They need to put some of those bump lines that make loud noise when you drive across them on the lanes coming into town so people will know that they need to slow down. My prayers go out to these 2 families..
Prayers for them.
If the speed bumps had of been replaced after the construction of 4-lane on Hwy 113 was complete, these 2 people would probably still be alive.
It was an awful sight. The upsidedown care was stil smoking when I came by. It could have easily been me if I had been 2 minutes earlier. I thank my God it wasn’t but I pray for the people involved, for the families involved, and for the souls of those lost. I pray that they were right with God.
My condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this accident. In reading the story it states that “both vehicles landed off the highway at a service Bay at Rowland’s tire’s.” It is nothing short of a miracle that there were not customers or employee’s in the parking lot or service bay. I know it is common practice for people to stand around and watch their vehicle being worked on or talk with someone in the parking lot, at least it is where I live it is common.
I sincerely hope the others injured in the accident are okay.
I just pasted this wreck bout an hour ago it was awful my heart goes out to the family Ill be praying for you I know its gonna be hard keep your head up!:(
Prayers go out to them and their families of the injured and lost.
My mom saw it happen. Said it was terrible and that she thinks one of the deaths was a child.
prayers go out to the families..