Three people are dead, including a couple from Mid-Michigan, following a crash on a West Virginia highway. Two firefighters were also killed while responding to the scene.
The crash that killed three people happened around 5:30 p.m. in Kanawha County, West Virginia in the southbound lanes of I-77.
A car driven by 77-year-old Beatrice Patrick of Salyersville, Kentucky, was driving the wrong way in the southbound lanes when she struck another car head on. The second car then left the road and struck a disabled box truck.
The driver of the second car, 49-year-old James W. Platte of Westphalia, Michigan, and his wife, 47-year-old Tonya Platte, were killed.
The driver of the box truck, 40-year-old Jordan Napoleon of Greer, South Carolina, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Pratt city volunteer firefighters Michael Edwards and Tom Craigo were both killed in the accident.
On the way to the scene, West Virginia troopers say Pratt fire engine 111 left the edge of the roadway and hit the rock face that borders the highway.
Deputy Chief Rod Johnson tells WSYM Edwards had 25 years of service as a firefighter, and Craigo had about 15 years of service with the department.
Both the firefighters killed are married and have children. Edwards just got married approximately one week ago, according to Johnson. Craigo was just married in December.
Pratt Fire Chief Timothy Walker remains in the ICU with critical injuries.
Mayor Eric Holcomb says Chief Walker has skull fractures, bleeding on the brain, and is currently sedated.
Two other firefighters were injured but are expected to be okay.
A candlelight vigil was held for Sunday evening for the Pratt Volunteer Fire Department at 7:30 p.m.
Dispatchers say area fire departments are covering any 911 calls that Pratt would typically be dispatched to while the department grieves.
Shockwaves rock the village of Westphalia as the community mourns the loss of James and Tonya Platte.
Mary Kay Goerge is a close friend of the family who lives nearby.
"It’s tough on a community, it’s one of those places where everybody knows everybody else,” Goerge said. “The good thing is we'll take care of their kids like they'd take care of ours like it was us, it’s a strong community of faith.”
Goerge says she taught the Platte’s children at Saint Mary’s in Westphalia. Both kids grew up and played sports alongside one another.
"You worry about the kids,” said Goerge. “They're young adults but those milestones are going to happen without their mom and dad."
Both crashes are currently under investigation.
FOX 47 will continue to follow this story. Check back for updates.
