One Oklahoma Turnpike worker killed, another critically injured, after being hit by semi truck

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is investigating a fatal crash involving a semi truck that occurred on the Will Rogers Turnpike on Monday.

The crash occurred on the afternoon of August 18, 2025, on the Will Rogers Turnpike (I-44 east), east of the Miami exit.

Troopers say that an eastbound semi truck “drifted off the roadway to the right” and struck an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) work crew member who was on foot collecting debris.

After hitting the worker on foot, the truck struck a parked OTA vehicle with a second worker sitting inside.

The worker collecting debris was killed. The worker sitting inside the parked vehicle suffered critical injuries.

The truck driver was not hurt.

Troopers say that the truck driver is cooperating with police. The truck driver reportedly stated that “he had dropped a device and was attempting to retrieve it when he drifted from the roadway.”

“This was a preventable tragedy. Nothing is more important than focusing on what is happening in front of you and around you while driving. A single moment of distraction can cost lives and change families forever. The men and women who maintain and protect our highways are our partners. OTA crews are always quick to provide assistance when we call, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol values the strong connection we share with them in serving the public. The troopers who work alongside these crews on the turnpikes will deeply feel this loss,” OHP said.

The crash remains under investigation.