BROOKPORT/PADUCAH – The U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge, between Brookport and Paducah, was shut down for less than two hours Monday evening due to a three-vehicle crash that sent two people to the hospital.

According to the McCracken County, KY Sheriff’s Office, around 4:40 p.m., deputies responded to a three vehicle collision on the bridge. When they got there, deputies saw traffic at a standstill and the bridge was blocked by three vehicles.

An investigation found that 73-year-old Francine Jeffords of Brookport was driving a 2005 Ford minivan towards Illinois. Jeffords noticed a vehicle stalled in the right lane of traffic and veered to the left lane to attempt to avoid striking it. A vehicle was in the left oncoming lane and collided with Jeffords, which in turn struck the stalled vehicle.

The stalled vehicle was a 2008 Honda passenger car driven by 40-year-old Brandon Evans of Metropolis. He was seated in his vehicle when struck, but received no injuries.

Thirty-two-year-old Shavon Ferrell, of Aurora, IL, was driving a 2009 Lexus passenger car in the left lane driving towards Paducah. Ferrell and Jeffords collided when Jeffords crossed into the left lane. Ferrell and Jeffords were both taken to area hospitals for non-incapacitating injuries.

Four passengers in Jeffords’ vehicle, all juveniles, did not appear to receive injuries.  

Evans was driving his vehicle without a driver’s license or insurance. Evans was cited for No Operator’s License and Failure to Maintain Insurance. Evans also had an unrelated warrant and was taken into custody.

Speedy’s Towing responded and was assisted by Vanzant Towing. Concord Fire Department responded along with Mercy EMS and Kentucky State Police. All crews worked quickly to reopen the bridge for travel. 

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crew responded to check the safety of the bridge. It reopened just after 6 p.m. Monday.