A deadly single-vehicle crash in Morgan County, Alabama, claimed the life of a Danville man and left a teenage passenger seriously injured Sunday night. Authorities say the violent wreck happened on a rural roadway and serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of not wearing a seat belt.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred at approximately 9:27 p.m. on South Danville Road near Hunter Road, about five miles southeast of Danville. Troopers were called to the scene after reports of a vehicle that had left the roadway and overturned multiple times.
Investigators said 52-year-old Alabert S. Anano Jr. was driving a 2000 Mercedes E320 when the vehicle left the road for reasons still under investigation. The car struck a ditch and a culvert before overturning several times. The force of the crash caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
ALEA confirmed that Anano was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. As a result, he was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. He was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe injuries he sustained. Troopers noted that seat belt use can be a critical factor in survivability during rollover crashes.
A 14-year-old passenger who was also inside the Mercedes was injured in the crash. Emergency responders provided initial care at the scene before the teen was airlifted to an area hospital for further medical treatment. Authorities have not released details about the extent of the teen’s injuries or their current condition.
The crash site along South Danville Road was temporarily closed as troopers conducted their investigation and cleared debris from the roadway. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continues to examine what caused the vehicle to leave the road, including whether speed, road conditions, or other factors played a role.
Officials with ALEA are using the tragedy to once again stress the importance of seat belt use for all occupants, regardless of distance traveled or time of day. “Seat belts save lives,” authorities have repeatedly stated. As the investigation continues, the Morgan County community is mourning the loss of Alabert S. Anano Jr. and hoping for the recovery of the injured teenager.
