Seminole County, OK — February 6, 2025, Earnest Harrell was killed and Suhaib Hassan was injured in a truck accident at approximately 2:00 a.m. along I.H. 40.
According to authorities, the accident took place in the eastbound lanes of Interstate Highway 40 in the vicinity of MM 204.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place involving three vehicles: a Nissan Altima, an International 18-wheeler occupied by 63-year-old Suhaib Hassan, and a Freightliner 18-wheeler occupied by 43-year-old Earnest Harrell.
Reports state that no one from the Nissan was hurt. However, Harrell suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports, and was declared deceased at the scene. Hassan sustained reportedly critical injuries due to the wreck; he was transported to an area medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a crash involves two 18-wheelers and a passenger vehicle, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this often have multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately clear from the scene alone.
What set the crash in motion? With three vehicles involved, investigators need to determine which driver’s actions initiated the sequence of events. Did one of the trucks fail to react to slowing traffic? Did the Nissan make an unsafe maneuver that forced the trucks to adjust? Reviewing dashcam footage, witness statements, and electronic logging device (ELD) data could help establish how the wreck unfolded.
Were either of the truck drivers distracted or fatigued? Long-haul truckers spend hours behind the wheel, and fatigue or in-cab distractions can slow reaction times. Given that the crash happened at 2:00 a.m., investigators should examine hours-of-service logs, phone records, and in-cab monitoring systems to determine whether exhaustion or inattention played a role.
Did speed or following distance contribute to the wreck? Large trucks need significantly more time and space to stop than smaller vehicles, especially at highway speeds. If one of the truck drivers was following too closely, it could explain why they weren’t able to avoid the collision. Investigators should determine whether safe driving practices were followed in the moments leading up to the crash.
Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and following safety regulations. If a company allowed an inexperienced or overworked driver on the road, failed to enforce proper rest breaks, or neglected vehicle maintenance, that could have influenced what led to this crash. Investigators should review company policies, training records, and past safety violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.
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