Authorities have identified the truck driver who died in a fiery early-morning crash involving an 18-wheeler along Highway 150. The victim was 46-year-old Ashley William Jones of Bessemer, who was pronounced dead at the scene after his tractor-trailer left the roadway and caught fire. Officials say the crash happened during the overnight hours when conditions were dark and icy.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. Wednesday in the 1500 block of Highway 150. Jones was driving an 18-wheeler when the vehicle reportedly struck a patch of ice on the roadway. Police believe the icy conditions caused Jones to lose control of the truck, sending it off the road within seconds.
Officials said the tractor-trailer traveled into a wooded area after leaving the highway. The truck then caught fire, becoming fully engulfed in flames. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash, but the fire and severity of the wreck made rescue efforts impossible. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jones was pronounced dead at approximately 3:32 a.m.
First responders worked quickly to secure the area and extinguish the fire. Portions of Highway 150 were impacted as crews worked to investigate the crash and remove debris from the roadway. The crash scene remained active for several hours as authorities documented evidence and ensured the area was safe for drivers.
Bessemer police are leading the investigation and say they are continuing to review the exact circumstances surrounding the deadly crash. At this time, no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. Officials have not indicated that speed or impairment played a role, but weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and icy patches, are a major focus of the investigation.
Authorities are reminding drivers to use extreme caution during early-morning and overnight hours, especially during cold weather when ice may not be visible. Even small patches of ice can cause large commercial vehicles to lose control. The investigation into Jones’ death remains ongoing as police work to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the tragic crash.
