Two Children Killed In I-65 Crash

December 30, 2013

A fiery accident that claimed the lives of two children just south of Atmore on I-65 closed the interstate highway overnight.

The first in a series of accidents was reported about 9:45 p.m. about three miles south of Exit 54 – the Poarch, Jack Springs Road exit.   A 2000 Freightliner semi-truck driven by 57-year old Terry Allen Wyatt of Andalusia, AL, rear-ended a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The car then burst into flames, according to reports.

Nadir Gillis, 9, and Naziya Gillis, 7, both of Camp Lejeune, N.C., were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge, 28-year-old Isom Hodges, and another passenger, 30-year old Labrica Hodges, both of Camp LeJeune were transported to area hospitals. The driver a third vehicle in the crash, 42-year old William C. Rousey of Lexington, KY, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Their conditions were not available.

A second accident, reportedly involving three vehicles, occurred north of the original accident scene.

Traffic was rerouted off the interstate at Exit 54 for several hours.

Further details have not been released by Alabama State Troopers. No charges have been filed in the crash.

Comments

11 Responses to “Two Children Killed In I-65 Crash”

  1. Terry Curtis on February 7th, 2014 3:26 pm

    I broke down at the truck stop 1 exit north of this about 1-3 minutes before this tragedy happened. I was towed the next morning by one of the same tow drivers that were involved with the removal of a vehicle from this. I can’t get in to what was talked about, but I can say this; please slow down in the fog. If my semi had not broke down I would have been right there in the mix of it. May Gods love be with all involved.

  2. Nessa on January 12th, 2014 8:17 pm

    Well I am definitely heart broken….I sat down with my cousin today only to find out what happened. I know Isom and he is my cousin’s ex husband and the father of her children. So I am HEART BROKEN at best for Isom and Labrica….it’s definitely hard at best.

  3. arielle lindsey on December 31st, 2013 11:32 am

    Me and my family stopped and tried to help as much as we could.

  4. Tracy Flurry_ on December 31st, 2013 5:36 am

    I am totally heartbroken to now learn that the woman’s screams I heard when I came upon 2 wrecks that had just occured on the Northbound side of I65 were from a Mother losing her children to what I consider the most horrific traffic accident I have ever witnessed! I wanted so much to help but couldn’t see how to get there due to heavy smoke. Myself and others called for help and prayed. My heart is heavy and my prayers go out to those who lost their precious loved ones and those injured in that dreadful accident. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace that passes al understanding.

  5. 429SCJ on December 31st, 2013 5:28 am

    I cannot imagine anything more horrible and tragic as this awful accident.

    Lord be with our EMS personnel who will carry the memory of this terrible thing for the rest of their days, comfort the injured and the parents of those children.

    It may be time for our legislators to consider a bill requiring automobile manufactures to install rupture/explosion resistant, racing type fuel cells in automobiles. At the factory level the additional cost would not be that great and the lives that could and would be saved are priceless.

  6. Miranda Jackson on December 31st, 2013 1:53 am

    My husband and I came up right after the wreck happen it had happen 10 mins before we arrived on the north bound side and seen the wreckage. and my heart goes out to everyone involved.It was a sad sad site! My heart dropped when I seen the wreck. I pray for the parents of the children and anyone that was involved in this wreck. it looked like real thick smoke does anyone know where the smoke come from was it caused from the wreck? I heard it was what caused the wreck. I am unsure.

  7. Jeanne on December 30th, 2013 8:43 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with these families. As a Camp Lejeune Marine mom myself, I fear getting a phone call when my son travels to and from Camp Lejeune. I also pray for the emergency responders as a tragedy like this is hard for them also.

  8. Rhonda Currie on December 30th, 2013 7:41 pm

    This is a horrible tragedy and I can’t imagine what these parents / family are going through . Praying for each of you and I am so so sorry for your loss . God please be with these parents and family in Jesus name . Amen

  9. Mom on December 30th, 2013 6:18 pm

    Praying for all of the first responders and hospital workers that handled this tragedy as well as the family and their loss! May God bless you and give you peace and comfort!

  10. Local on December 30th, 2013 3:52 pm

    Praying for the families evolved. Please everyone take your time, pay attention and be careful. Seems there are too many accidents & deaths lately.

  11. Rose Bruner on December 30th, 2013 12:00 pm

    I was on I-65 last night north bound hit real bad fog. I had to come to o a complete stop one accident had happened. Pulled off to see if we could help anyone. When we got out heard the semi-truck hit on the other side . And a lady screaming where was her baby. I pray for all these people last night an today.