Marion, AR (January 31, 2026) – A fatal multi-vehicle collision was reported on Interstate 55 near the 9-mile marker in Marion, Arkansas. The crash occurred at approximately 7:48 a.m. on January 29 and resulted in one death and three injuries, according to information released by the Arkansas State Police. Authorities identified the deceased as 43-year-old Matthew Coles of Marion, who was the driver of Vehicle 3. Three additional people were listed as injured, including a minor passenger in Vehicle 3, as well as two adult drivers involved in the collision. The incident involved two Freightliner commercial trucks traveling northbound and a Honda Accord traveling southbound. Officials noted clear weather conditions at the time, though the roadway was reported as icy.
Key Details
- Location: Marion, AR
- Where: I-55 NB near 9 MM
- Type: Fatal multi-vehicle accident on I-55
- Reported: January 29 at 7:48 AM
- Injuries: Confirmed (1 deceased, 3 injured)
- Responding Agency: Arkansas State Police
What We Know So Far
- The crash happened on I-55 near the 9-mile marker in Marion.
- Three vehicles were involved, including two northbound Freightliner trucks and one southbound Honda Accord.
- Arkansas State Police reported one fatality and three injuries.
- The initial narrative indicates a chain reaction that began when one commercial vehicle merged from a rest area.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact sequence of events leading up to the initial impact while merging
- Whether any additional contributing factors besides icy road conditions were involved
- The condition updates for the injured victims following hospital treatment
- Whether further investigative findings will result in citations or enforcement action
Local Context
The crash occurred along I-55 near the 9-mile marker in Marion, a stretch of interstate that sees frequent commercial truck traffic moving through Crittenden County. With at least two Freightliner semis involved and the initial report indicating one vehicle was merging from a rest area, the area likely experienced significant response activity during the morning hours. Arkansas State Police reported clear weather but icy road conditions, which can complicate braking and lane changes on interstate corridors. Incidents in this segment of I-55 often require coordinated scene management, especially when a collision crosses median barriers into opposing lanes, as described in the preliminary narrative.
What to Do Next
- If you come upon an active crash scene, slow down, stay alert, and follow directions from emergency personnel.
- Remain at the scene if involved and cooperate with first responders, as leaving before officials arrive can create serious complications.
- If it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions (including ice), and the surrounding roadway.
- Monitor your condition after any collision and seek medical care if symptoms develop, since some injuries may not appear immediately.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a fatal crash?
A: In serious collisions, responders prioritize medical care, scene safety, and documentation. Full details are often released only after investigators confirm key facts and complete preliminary reporting.
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: Multi-vehicle crashes require additional evidence collection, multiple driver and witness statements, and careful removal of damaged vehicles, which can extend the time needed to reopen the roadway.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means officials are still reviewing the circumstances, including roadway conditions, vehicle movements, and statements, before finalizing what happened and whether any enforcement actions will follow.
