One killed; two hurt after driver falls asleep at the wheel

TONKAWA, Okla. (KFOR) - A construction worker is dead and two more are in the hospital after they were hit by a car Monday morning on I-35 in Kay County at the Hartford Avenue bridge. Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the driver fell asleep at the wheel when they drove off the road and hit the workers.

"Sleepy driving is just as bad as drunk driving," said Captain Mark Reynolds with Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

This photo shows the aftermath of the accident.

A safety vest, tire tracks, and debris were all left on the side of the road.

"This was clearly not an intentional act. They stayed and have fully cooperated with us," said Captain Reynolds.

Three construction workers were hit. One passed away from the impact of the car. The other two were flown to a Kansas hospital. One had a broken leg and the other had internal injuries.

OHP said the crash is being investigated as a homicide.

"Once we conduct that investigation, will contact the DA's office to determine what they want to charge them with," said Captain Reynolds.

Captain Reynolds said he wants to remind drivers about the safety of constriction workers on the side of the road.

"Slow down when you see construction signs. These these people want to go home to their families just like they {the drivers} want to go home to their families," said Captain Reynolds.

The workers are part of a company out of Topeka, Kansas.

News 4 reached out, but did not hear back.