Fatal crash on Hwy 191 closes roadway for hours

by David Boyle
News Director
On May 20, a fatal collision on Highway 191 also started a small fire over the weekend, stalling traffic for several hours in both directions.
The head-on collision, involving a Cadillac SUV and semi-trailer, occurred on Peters Hill, about nine miles north of Monticello.
The collision occurred when the southbound SUV drifted across traffic lanes and struck a tractor semi carrying a 53 foot box trailer.
The collision killed the driver, 21-year old Alex M. Way, of Pearland, TX. He was the lone occupant of the SUV.
The semi-trailer driver reportedly had no injuries. However, clean-up of the incident was further complicated when the semi-trailer caught fire and was completely destroyed.
A few hours after the fire was extinguished, crews were called to return to the incident when flames were reported on nearby trees on Peters Hill.
Responding agencies worked the weekend to clear the area, but travelers saw traffic backed up for several hours along stretches of Highway 191.