Nine children and one adult have been killed after a tragic 15 vehicle pile-up during a tropical storm in Alabama.
Per NPR, the fatal collisions occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, June 19, 35 miles south of the town of Montgomery on Interstate 65, as a result of suspected hydroplaning on the wet roads.
Per WSFA News, two members of the deceased included 29-year-old volunteer firefighter Cody Fox and his 9-month-old daughter Adriana, of Hew Hope, Tennessee.
WSFA News reports that Fox's death was confirmed in a Facebook post from a spokesperson for the Marion County Emergency Management Agency, who wrote:
"Words cannot express the grief I have felt since I received the call yesterday afternoon informing me of the death of Cody and his daughter in an automobile accident in southern Alabama.
"Cody was an integral part of the EMA staff in Marion County, always ready, always willing to serve. His upbeat attitude, his willingness to learn, and without a doubt the politest young man I have ever known, will be greatly missed.
"I offer my deepest prayers for his parents and family. He was a dedicated responder, a good son, a good brother, a good father, and a good friend. I will miss him."
The other eight victims of the crash included several young girls between the ages four and 17, who were passengers in a van belonging to a youth ranch operated by the Alabama Sheriffs Association for abused or neglected children.
These girls were returning to their youth ranch near Camp Hill, northeast of Montgomery, after spending a week at the beach in Gulf Shores for the summer.
A memorial service for the girls will take place this week, with counselors available from Sunday onwards at Reeltown High School - which many of the ranch residents attended.
In a statement made on Facebook, a spokesperson for the ranch wrote:
"Our hearts are heavy today. Our ranch has suffered great loss.
"As some of you may have heard, one of our ranch vehicles was involved [in] a multiple car accident this afternoon. Please send prayers our way as we navigate this difficult time.
"We will update information as we are able, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and respecting the privacy of our large and extended families."
Meanwhile, Greenville Police Department Chief Justin Lovvorn tweeted: "Yesterday’s accident was the worst I have witnessed in my 25 years in law enforcement.
"My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of all those touched by this tragedy. Please continue to pray for all those involved."
WSFA reports that the National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched 10 investigators to coordinate with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in their inquiries into the collision.
