Authorities in Grady County are investigating a tragic wrong-way crash that claimed the lives of two men and briefly shut down a portion of Interstate 44 over the weekend. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the deadly collision happened Saturday evening along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near Mile Marker 101, an area that normally sees a steady flow of traffic. The crash involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions, resulting in a violent head-on impact.
Troopers say the incident unfolded when a pickup truck, driven by 62-year-old Dale Gibson of Paoli, was traveling eastbound but somehow entered the westbound lanes of the interstate. It remains unclear why the truck was going the wrong way, and investigators have not yet determined whether the driver became disoriented, missed signage, or entered the turnpike incorrectly. OHP officials say this detail will be a critical focus as they work to piece together what happened in the moments before the crash.
At the same time, a westbound sedan driven by 47-year-old Larry Granger of Lawton was traveling in its correct lane. The two vehicles collided head-on, and the force of the impact was devastating. When emergency responders arrived, they found both drivers with fatal injuries. Despite the quick arrival of first responders, neither man could be saved, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. Each driver had been traveling alone, and no additional injuries were reported.
Because of the severity of the crash and the amount of debris scattered across the roadway, authorities temporarily shut down the affected section of Interstate 44. The closure allowed emergency crews, investigators, and cleanup teams to work safely without the risk of passing vehicles. Drivers traveling along the turnpike experienced delays, but traffic eventually resumed once crews completed their initial assessments and cleared the scene.
OHP investigators are now examining all available evidence to determine how the wrong-way entry occurred. Troopers will analyze vehicle positions, skid marks, roadway conditions, and any mechanical issues that might have played a role. They may also review traffic camera footage and speak with witnesses or motorists who may have seen the pickup before the collision. Wrong-way crashes are rare but often deadly, making it essential for investigators to understand exactly where and how the truck entered the westbound lane.
As the investigation continues, communities in Paoli and Lawton are mourning the sudden loss of Gibson and Granger. OHP has not indicated when the full report will be completed, noting that such investigations often require days or weeks of analysis. For now, officials emphasize that the case remains active, and further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
