Suspended driver under the influence of 'meth and Xanax' causes fatal crash

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrested a suspended driver who caused a chain collision crash while under the influence of drugs.

Troopers were called to I-40 and Triple X Road around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday.

"Our Troopers got out there and quickly determined a fatality collision involving three vehicles," said Lt. Mark Southall, Oklahoma Highway Patrol.       

A vehicle driven by Jeramy Richardson was at the head of the wreckage.

"Struck the cable barrier, became disabled in the roadway," said Southall.

A motorist approaching Richardson's vehicle managed to stop.

"Small fuel truck—was traveling eastbound, was able to get stopped to avoid collision," said Southall.              

But with zero daylight, likely traveling 70 miles an hour- the posted speed limit, a third driver, Dalton French, 27, of Macomb, collided into the fuel truck.

"As he was stopped, he got struck in the rear by a third vehicle, which is ultimately where that fatality was," said Southall.           

Richardson told troopers right before he crashed that he had been using methamphetamine and Xanax.

"This is worst-case scenario for us. This guy decided to get on the roadway with this in his system and created a situation that ultimately killed someone," said Southall.

The fuel-contaminated area took several hours to clean. Firefighters and troopers remained on scene for nearly 7 hours.

"Obviously, our first and foremost priority is to do a good investigation on the fatality, find out exactly what occurred there and what crimes may have taken place."

Witnesses told troopers two people ran from the scene. OHP is investigating whether or not Richardson had passengers at the time of the crash.