Okla. Police Officer, Fire Chief Die in Vehicle Crash at Racing Event
What to know
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Three people, including a Haileyville police officer and Alderson's fire chief, died during the H-Town Throwdown Races in Hartshorne over the weekend, according to reports.
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One person died Friday night during race preparations, and the two first responders were killed Saturday in a vehicle crash at the event.
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Officials expressed condolences and asked the public to respect the victims’ families’ privacy.
(Editor's note: A Haileyville police officer and Alderson's fire chief were identified as one of the first responders killed in the Hartshorne drag race event Saturday, according to the Haileyville Fire Department.)
HARTSHORNE, OK — Emergency Management officials have confirmed three deaths this weekend at a racing event in Hartshorne.
According to information released by McAlester and Pittsburg County Emergency Management, one person died Friday night and two first responders died Saturday.
A press release from the county’s Emergency Management states the death on the evening of Friday, Oct. 31, happened during preparations for the H-Town Throwdown Races.
The other two individuals, confirmed as first responders, died Saturday, Nov. 1, during a vehicle accident at the races, according to Leonard Baughman, McAlester/ Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director.
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” Baughman said. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County.”
Emergency Management officials have asked “everyone to honor the privacy of the victims’ families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
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