2 Fort Smith Residents Fatally Injured in Icy I-49 Accident

28-year-old Francisco Vallecillo (Fort Smith, AR) and 31-year-old Carlos Garcia (Fort Smith, AR) were both fatally injured in an accident that took place on Saturday, January 2, 2021.

At approximately 7:10 a.m. both Mr. Vallecillo and Mr. Garcia, along with 27-year-old Kanene Young (Mobile, Alabama), were “pedestrians” along the east side of Interstate 49 near West Fork.

According to the report, five vehicles lost control on the north side of the I-49 bridge near mile marker 48. Freezing rain and snow had resulted in icy and wet road conditions. The vehicles involved included a 2014 Honda Accord, a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, a 2016 Chevrolet Trax, a 2008 Nissan Altima, and an unidentified 5th vehicle.

All three pedestrians were struck. Mr. Vallecillo and Mr. Garcia were fatally injured, and Kanene Young was transported with injuries. 24-year-old Kevin Romero (Fort Smith, AR) was traveling north in one of the vehicles and sustained injuries in the accident.

Those injured were transported to Northwest Medical Center and Washington Regional Medical Center.

Weather conditions were freezing rain and snow, and road conditions were icy and wet at the time of the accident.

Additional Details: Arkansas State Police Preliminary Fatal Accident Report

Accident Location: Interstate 49 (near mile marker 48), West Fork, Arkansas, Washington County:

If you have any concerns or any information in this report is incorrect, please contact us directly at webadmin@taylorkinglaw.com.

For more information about obtaining a full copy of the accident report: How to Obtain a Police Report in AR