Widener, AR (January 31, 2026) – A fatal pedestrian accident was reported on Interstate 40 eastbound near mile marker 247 in Widener. According to the Arkansas State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on January 29, 2026, and resulted in one death. Authorities identified the deceased as 26-year-old Roxanne Bundrick of Dallas, Texas. Investigators said a 2018 Toyota RAV4 was stalled in the left lane, and the driver was outside the vehicle when a 2018 Jeep Cherokee struck the stalled SUV and then struck the pedestrian. The incident was reported under clear weather conditions, though road conditions were noted as snow/ice. The body was held at Forrest City Medical Center as the investigation continued.
Key Details
- Location: Widener, AR
- Where: I-40 EB near Mile Marker 247
- Type: Fatal Pedestrian Accident
- Reported: January 29 at 10:30 PM
- Injuries: 1 Fatality Confirmed
- Responding Agency: Arkansas State Police
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred on I-40 eastbound near mile marker 247 in Widener, St. Francis County.
- Arkansas State Police reported one pedestrian fatality.
- A stalled 2018 Toyota RAV4 was in the left lane when a 2018 Jeep Cherokee struck it and then struck the pedestrian.
- The weather was listed as clear, while the roadway was described as snow/ice at the time of the crash.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- What led to the Toyota RAV4 becoming stalled in the left lane.
- Whether any additional contributing factors were identified beyond roadway conditions.
- Whether citations will be issued as part of the final investigative findings.
- How long the roadway was impacted while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Local Context
The crash occurred on I-40 eastbound near mile marker 247 in Widener, a stretch of interstate that carries steady traffic through St. Francis County. With the Toyota RAV4 reportedly stalled in the left lane, the situation quickly became dangerous when the driver was outside the vehicle on the interstate. Arkansas State Police indicated the Jeep Cherokee struck the stalled SUV and then hit the pedestrian, resulting in a fatality. Although the weather was listed as clear, road conditions were noted as snow/ice, a combination that can complicate stopping distance and driver reaction time on high-speed routes.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy roads.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: Early information is often focused on emergency response and scene safety. More details may be released after officials verify facts and complete initial reporting.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes are dangerous because vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, and limited shoulder space can increase the risk of secondary collisions.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers typically secure the area, assess conditions, document evidence, and gather statements to determine how the crash occurred and complete the official report.
