Our hearts are heavy today as we share the profoundly tragic news of the loss of a Tulsa firefighter in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday morning at the intersection of 116th Street and Garnett Road in Owasso.
What began as a routine Tuesday turned into a nightmare when a high-speed crash set off a chain reaction and a massive fire. Owasso Police confirmed the devastating toll: one person killed and four injured, three of whom are being treated for serious, critical injuries.
The heartbreaking discovery was made by the fire crews themselves, who, after battling the intense flames, found a victim inside one of the cars. That victim was later confirmed to be a respected and beloved member of the Tulsa Fire Department.
The Tulsa Fire Department released an emotional statement, highlighting the immense void left by this loss: “This firefighter faithfully served the Tulsa community with courage, dedication, and compassion. He was not only a trusted colleague and respected leader, but also a beloved member of our fire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.”
Out of respect for the grieving family, the identity of the fallen firefighter is being withheld at this time.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community and across departments. Tulsa Police Department shared their “deepest sympathies and full support” for their colleagues in the Fire Department.
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols echoed the city’s grief: “Heartbreaking news today. Our city is shocked and saddened by this sudden loss… Moments like this remind us how fragile life is. Please hold your loved ones close and don’t take the everyday moments for granted.”
Details of the Crash Emerge
According to Owasso Police, surveillance video reveals the horrific sequence of events. Cars were stopped at a red light in the eastbound lane of East 116th Street when a pickup truck, traveling at a high rate of speed, slammed into the back of the line. The impact caused a catastrophic chain reaction and a fuel spill that ignited a massive “big fireball.”
The investigation is ongoing. All lanes of East 116th Street North and North Garnett Road are currently closed as authorities, including the Medical Examiner, process the scene. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area and have closed all nearby businesses until the investigation concludes.
A Call for Community Help
The Owasso Police Department is appealing directly to the public for assistance. If you were driving in the area at the time of the event and have any dash camera video of the accident, please contact the OPD tip line immediately at 918-272-2677.
Today, we mourn a hero—a man who dedicated his life to protecting our community. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire Tulsa Fire Department. The city of Tulsa stands with you during this incredibly difficult time. Let this serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made every day by our first responders and the preciousness of every moment.
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Notes: The information provided in our Oklahoma accident news posts is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Milly Daniels Law Firm utilizes secondary sources and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. If you locate incorrect information in our post, please contact our firm so we can correct it immediately.
Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. Reading these posts does not create an attorney-client relationship between Milly Daniels Law Firm and the reader. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal or medical advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.