5 dead in Montgomery crash involving 18-wheeler

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Montgomery police are investigating a two-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler that left five people dead early Friday morning.

According to Montgomery Police Sgt. Tina McGriff, authorities responded to the scene at Interstate 65 North at W. South Blvd. around 12:30 a.m. There, officers found a 2021 Toyota Corolla and a commercial vehicle.

Police said the driver and four passengers in the Toyota were killed in the crash:

Maria Baltazar, 49, driver
Veronica Gonzalez, 28
Hosea Lopez, 27
Christian Lopez Gonzalez, 10
Edwardo Lopez Gonzalez, 4

All of the victims were from the southwest Georgia city of Cairo, which is near the Florida state line, according to police.

Police say a preliminary investigation shows Baltazar entered the highway against the flow of traffic before colliding with the 18-wheeler.

“We would like to remind drivers to remain vigilant and pay close attention to traffic signage, especially when travelling through unfamiliar areas,” McGriff said.

No details were released about the driver of the 18-wheeler.

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