On 3/4/24 at 4:38 pm, deputies responded to a three vehicle collision on the Brookport Bridge. On arrival, deputies observed traffic to be at a standstill and the bridge to be blocked by three vehicles.
Investigation revealed that 73 year old Francine Jeffords of Brookport, IL, was operating a 2005 Ford minivan towards IL. Jeffords noticed a vehicle stalled in the right lane of traffic and veered to the left lane to attempt to avoid striking it. A vehicle was in the left oncoming lane and collided with Jeffords, which in turn struck the stalled vehicle.
The stalled vehicle was a 2008 Honda passenger car being operated by 40 year old Brandon Evans of Metropolis, IL. He was seated in his vehicle when struck, but received no injuries.
32 year old Shavon Ferrell of Aurora, IL was operating a 2009 Lexus passenger car in the left lane driving towards Paducah. Ferrell and Jeffords collided when Jeffords crossed into the left lane. Ferrell and Jeffords were both transported to area hospitals for non-incapacitating injuries.
13 year old Alivia Stephens, 12 year old Timothy Stevens, 9 year old Lariah Fisher, and 8 year old Selina Fisher, were involved in the vehicle with Jeffords. They did not appear to receive injuries.
Brandon Evans was operating his vehicle without a driver’s license or insurance. Mr. Evans was cited for the “no operator’s license” and “failure to maintain insurance”. Mr. Evans also had an unrelated warrant and was taken into custody.
Speedy’s Towing responded and was assisted by Vanzant Towing. Concord Fire Department responded along with Mercy EMS and Kentucky State Police. All crews worked quickly to reopen the bridge for travel. Kentucky State Highway responded to check the safety of the bridge.
The bridge was shut down for less than two hours and opened back up at 6:03pm