Two Killed, One Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on OK-48 Near Coleman in Johnston County

• Community context and incident overview
• What we know so far from Oklahoma Highway Patrol
• Where it happened: OK-48 near OK-48A and local road realities
• Injuries and outcomes reported
• Why head-on crashes on rural highways are so deadly
• Speed, evasive maneuvers, and multi-vehicle chain reactions
• Rights and options after a fatal or serious injury crash in Oklahoma
• Documents to request and who to call
• Practical next steps to protect a potential claim
• Grief, trauma, and community support in Johnston County
• Commentary from Gosuits Coleman, Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney
• Why acting now matters: time-sensitive steps
• Sources

Community context and incident overview

On a Thursday evening near Coleman in Johnston County, a three-vehicle crash on OK-48 took two lives and injured another driver. This stretch of highway, familiar to folks traveling between Tishomingo, Ada, and Durant, is a two-lane rural route that many families here use daily. News like this hits close to home for communities across southeastern Oklahoma, where neighbors look out for one another along the Blue River, near Wapanucka, and down the road toward Milburn and Tishomingo.

According to initial reports, the collision occurred near the junction of OK-48 and OK-48A. Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. The evening timing matters in our region. Short November days, changing light at dusk, deer movement, and rural roadway conditions can make already challenging situations even more dangerous. While investigators will pin down specifics, the early narrative helps families and the community understand what happened and what comes next.

What we know so far from Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers reported that an 87-year-old driver, identified publicly as Donald Bridgman of Ada, was traveling north on OK-48 at a high rate of speed. When attempting to avoid another northbound vehicle, Bridgman’s vehicle reportedly clipped that vehicle’s rear bumper, then crossed into the southbound lane. It collided head-on with a southbound vehicle driven by a 54-year-old McKinney, Texas resident, identified as Samuel Githongo.

Tragically, Mr. Bridgman and a female passenger in his vehicle were killed. The female passenger’s identity has not been released. Mr. Githongo was transported to a Durant hospital for treatment. His condition was not available at the time of the initial report. OHP has indicated the investigation remains active.

Law enforcement will typically document scene measurements, vehicle rest positions, roadway evidence like yaw marks and gouges, and potential contributing factors such as speed and roadway conditions. Depending on the vehicles involved, investigators may also consider whether event data recorder information is available through lawful means.

Where it happened: OK-48 near OK-48A and local road realities

OK-48 is a two-lane corridor that runs north-south through parts of southeastern Oklahoma, connecting rural communities and offering a path from Ada down toward the Lake Texoma area. The spur OK-48A leads toward the Tishomingo area and nearby wildlife and recreation spaces. Residents know this route well for its mix of open stretches and forested segments, limited passing zones, and occasional narrow shoulders.

In Johnston County, locals use OK-48 for everyday trips to schools, ranches, the post office, and medical appointments in Tishomingo or Durant. When traffic stacks up behind slower-moving vehicles or when wildlife ventures near the roadway, drivers sometimes face sudden decisions. On a darkening November evening, glare from oncoming headlights or shadows along tree lines can challenge reaction time.

None of this speculation assigns fault in this case. Instead, it acknowledges the environmental context. OHP will evaluate evidence from the scene and statements to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors. Families often find it helpful to understand how law enforcement weighs these conditions when reviewing a serious crash.

Injuries and outcomes reported

Two fatalities were reported among the occupants of the northbound vehicle. A southbound driver sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital in Durant for care. Head-on collisions on two-lane highways are often severe. The combined travel speeds can amplify the forces placed on vehicle occupants, even with functional seat belts and airbags.

In the days following a serious crash, hospitals may stabilize life-threatening injuries first, then address orthopedic trauma, internal injuries, or concussions. Billing can quickly become complex, especially if multiple insurance policies might cover different elements of care. It is common for families to feel overwhelmed by medical forms, benefits coordination, and insurance inquiries coming in while they are still processing what happened.

Why head-on crashes on rural highways are so deadly

National highway safety research consistently shows that head-on collisions, while less frequent than other crash types, tend to produce a high share of severe injuries and fatalities. The severity is driven by physics. Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions have their speeds effectively combined in a collision, dramatically increasing the force of impact on occupants.

Relevant research and guidance include:

• Combined speeds drive injury risk. Federal safety resources explain that higher speeds increase both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Even modest increases can significantly raise fatality risk. See NHTSA on speeding and safety.
• Rural roads carry disproportionate fatality risk. Rural two-lane roads often have higher-speed limits, limited shoulders, and fewer median protections. Federal highway safety materials prioritize countermeasures for centerline crossover and head-on crash risks on two-lane rural facilities. See FHWA Safety and FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasures.
• Older adults face increased vulnerability. National data show that older drivers have higher injury severity from the same crash forces due to increased physical frailty, even when they drive safely. See NHTSA on older drivers.
• Oklahoma trends echo national patterns. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reports that speed and lane departure remain significant contributors to severe crashes in the state, particularly on rural roads. See the state’s crash data resources at the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

These findings do not assign cause in this specific collision. They simply offer context for why a head-on crash on a rural highway near Coleman can be so devastating, particularly at evening hours and reported higher speeds.

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Speed, evasive maneuvers, and multi-vehicle chain reactions

Many serious rural crashes begin with a single evasive maneuver. A driver sees a slowing vehicle, an animal near the centerline, or unexpected debris. At higher speeds, the available time to react shrinks. Sudden swerves can create secondary impacts, such as clipping a bumper or crossing the centerline, setting off a chain reaction. On narrow two-lane roads without medians, there’s very little room to recover once a vehicle is pushed into oncoming traffic.

Federal safety agencies consistently emphasize speed management and lane discipline. NHTSA reinforces that speed increases stopping distance and reduces the effectiveness of protective equipment like airbags and seat belts. FHWA highlights roadway design solutions like rumble strips, wider shoulders, and median treatments for routes with a history of cross-centerline crashes. See NHTSA speed guidance and FHWA countermeasures.

Again, OHP’s investigation will determine whether and how speed, lane position, and evasive actions factored into this crash. The early description provided by troopers offers a starting point, not a final conclusion.

Rights and options after a fatal or serious injury crash in Oklahoma

Serious collisions carry both human and legal consequences. Families often ask what rights exist under Oklahoma law after a wrongful death, or what options are available to an injured out-of-state driver who was hurt here. While every case is different, some general principles can help guide the next steps. The information below is educational and general in nature.

Wrongful death and survivor claims basics

When a person dies in a motor vehicle crash, certain claims can exist on behalf of their estate and beneficiaries. Oklahoma recognizes claims for losses such as funeral expenses, medical care related to the final injury, loss of income or services, and the intangible harm to those left behind. The person with legal authority to bring these claims is typically a court-appointed representative of the estate, often a family member. The process includes opening an estate case in the appropriate county and documenting the losses and liability evidence.

Families sometimes worry about how liability is determined in multi-vehicle crashes. It usually turns on evidence from the scene, witness accounts, vehicle damage patterns, and any available data such as event data recorder information. It is not uncommon for competing insurers to dispute fault until the facts are fully developed.

Comparative fault in multi-vehicle collisions

Oklahoma follows a form of comparative negligence. In practical terms, that means fault can be shared among drivers, and any recovery available to an injured person or a family can be affected by the percentage of fault assigned. Insurers often scrutinize lane position, speed, evasive maneuvers, signaling, and sight distance. Because comparative fault assessments depend on details that can be lost or altered quickly, preserving evidence early is critical.

Out-of-state driver considerations

When a Texas resident is injured in an Oklahoma crash, the claim will typically be evaluated under Oklahoma’s rules for liability because that is where the collision occurred. However, the injured person’s own auto policy and health coverage are still in play, and those policies may be issued under Texas law. That cross-border mix can influence medical payments coverage, personal injury protection, and underinsured motorist benefits. Coordination between policies, states, and providers matters. Before speaking extensively with insurers, it is wise to understand how coverage interacts across state lines.

Documents to request and who to call

Getting official documents promptly supports insurance claims and helps families understand what happened. In Oklahoma, several agencies are involved. Below is a practical list of what to request and where to start. Fees may apply, and processing times can vary.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol collision report

OHP’s official collision report is often the backbone of an insurance claim. It includes the investigating trooper’s narrative, diagram, and identifying information for drivers, vehicles, and insurers. To request it, note the date, location, county, highway number, and names of involved individuals. Requests for collision reports are processed through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Start with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol or Oklahoma Department of Public Safety websites to locate the current collision report request portal or instructions.

Additional materials sometimes available include supplemental narratives, measurements, and, in serious incidents, reconstruction reports. Availability depends on the status of the investigation and applicable privacy rules.

Medical Examiner and autopsy-related records

In fatal cases, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner oversees examinations and, where appropriate, autopsies and toxicology. Next of kin can typically request reports once they are finalized. Start at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to learn who is considered next of kin, what documentation is required, and how to submit a request. Toxicology can take weeks or longer, and full reports may not be immediately available. Patience is often necessary, but asking early helps ensure you are in the queue.

Death certificates

Certified death certificates are issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Vital Records division. These certificates are needed for insurance claims, estate matters, and other legal processes. Requirements vary depending on your relationship to the decedent. For instructions, visit Oklahoma Vital Records.

911 audio, dispatch logs, and any available recordings

Audio recordings and Computer-Aided Dispatch logs can clarify timing and initial responses. Access may be governed by the Oklahoma Open Records framework, with limitations for active investigations and privacy. Start by inquiring with the relevant dispatch authority identified in the collision report. State agencies provide general guidance on records requests through their sites, including DPS and the OHP.

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Property damage assessments and vehicle data

Vehicle damage appraisals and photographs matter for insurance evaluations and, in some cases, for reconstructing a crash. Modern vehicles may contain an event data recorder that stores limited pre-crash information. Preserving the vehicle without destructive repairs allows potential retrieval of that data. Because chain of custody and consent rules apply, coordinating this step early is important.

Practical next steps to protect a potential claim

After a serious crash, there is a lot to do and very little time to do it. The following actions can help protect important rights. This is general information meant to reduce confusion during a difficult period.

• Prioritize health and well-being. Follow medical advice, attend follow-ups, and keep all discharge instructions. Save every bill and explanation of benefits. If pain worsens or new symptoms appear, return for care promptly.
• Preserve evidence immediately. Photograph vehicles before repairs, keep damaged parts, and store dash cam footage. Ask the tow yard or insurer not to dispose of or alter the vehicle until liability is resolved. Written preservation requests are helpful.
• Identify witnesses and preserve their contact information. Names, phone numbers, and any photos or videos taken at the scene can be crucial.
• Document the location. If safe and lawful to do so later, take clear daylight photos of the crash area, including lane markings, signage, shoulder width, and sight lines.
• Be cautious with insurance communications. Statements to any insurer can be used in claim decisions. Before providing recorded statements or detailed narratives, consider first speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney for a free consultation to understand your rights and obligations. What is said early can carry significant impact later.
• Coordinate benefits carefully. Health insurance, auto medical payments coverage, personal injury protection, and underinsured motorist coverage may overlap. Missteps can affect reimbursement and out-of-pocket costs.
• Track all losses. Keep a log of missed work, mileage for medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs, and day-to-day limitations caused by injuries or grief. Written records support clarity later.

Grief, trauma, and community support in Johnston County

In small towns like Coleman and communities across Johnston County, loss is felt community-wide. Churches, civic groups, school counselors, and neighbors often step in with meals, memorials, and quiet acts of care. There is no timeline for grief. Some people find immediate solace in gathering at familiar places along the Blue River or visiting with friends in Tishomingo. Others need time and professional support to process trauma.

Oklahoma’s public health resources offer general guidance on grief and trauma after sudden loss. While not a substitute for personalized mental health care, these resources can help identify local providers and supportive practices. The Oklahoma State Department of Health provides statewide information and directories through its public portal at Oklahoma State Department of Health. If coping feels overwhelming, talking to a licensed counselor, faith leader, or trusted physician can make a meaningful difference.

Commentary from Gosuits Coleman, Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with everyone touched by this crash near Coleman. Two lives lost on a familiar stretch of OK-48, and another person hurt on his way through our part of the state. It is difficult to absorb. Please understand that what follows is general information intended for education and support. Every situation is unique.

The early details described by troopers point to a high-speed environment and a sudden evasive maneuver that set off a chain of impacts. On a two-lane road without a median, a single moment of loss of lane control can lead to a head-on collision with catastrophic consequences. Investigators will piece together the speeds, positions, and sequence. Families deserve that clarity, and insurers will rely on it as well.

From years of handling serious motor vehicle cases, we have seen how insurance companies and corporate claims departments move quickly to shape the narrative. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements, request authorizations so they can pull broad medical histories, or suggest early settlements before the full scope of harm is known. It is common, and it can work against those who are still in shock. The less a claimant knows about the interplay of policies, comparative fault, and long-term medical needs, the easier it becomes for an insurer to minimize payment. That is why understanding rights before speaking at length with insurers is so important.

Getting a free consultation with a seasoned attorney can level the playing field. It does not commit anyone to a particular path. What it does is provide clarity about evidence preservation, insurance coordination, and timelines, so no one has to guess during an already painful time.

Why acting now matters: time-sensitive steps

When a serious rural highway crash occurs, key evidence can disappear quickly. The following actions are time-sensitive and can materially affect the clarity of later claim decisions.

• Secure the official collision report and any supplements. The investigating agency’s materials often anchor fault decisions. Early requests help ensure nothing is missed when insurers begin reviewing liability.
• Preserve vehicles and onboard data. Tow yards may move vehicles, and insurers may push for quick salvage. Keeping the vehicles intact allows experts to document crush patterns and retrieve event data, where available.
• Collect scene evidence before it fades. Skid marks, gouge marks, and debris are vulnerable to traffic and weather. Photos and measurements taken promptly are more reliable than memories later.
• Organize medical records from day one. Hospital notes, imaging, and discharge instructions provide the foundation for understanding injury trajectories and long-term care needs.
• Understand coverage interactions. Out-of-state policies, med pay, PIP, UM/UIM, and health plan subrogation all affect final outcomes. Learning the rules now avoids avoidable gaps and surprises.
• Speak with an attorney before giving detailed insurance statements. Insurance representatives are trained to ask questions that shape outcomes. Early legal guidance, obtained through a free consultation, helps ensure that what is said is accurate, necessary, and preserves important rights.

Know your rights before speaking to insurers Request official reports and records Preserve vehicles and evidence promptly Coordinate medical care and billing

Sources

The following government resources provide general safety data and public record guidance cited above:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Speeding
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Older Drivers
• Federal Highway Administration: Safety
• Federal Highway Administration: Proven Safety Countermeasures
• Oklahoma Highway Safety Office: Crash Data
• Oklahoma Highway Patrol
• Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
• Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
• Oklahoma State Department of Health: Vital Records