Trussville, AL (April 1, 2026) – A Gadsden man died following a late-night crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 59 in the Trussville area.
The accident occurred at about 10:05 p.m. on Monday, March 30, on I-59 northbound at Chalkville Rd in Jefferson County. According to officials, 27-year-old Saleh Ali Mohamed Muflehi was driving a 2016 Kia Soul when the vehicle struck the rear of a tractor-trailer.
The tractor-trailer was a 2021 Peterbilt 567 operated by 62-year-old Vernon J. Abernathy of Cullman. Officials said Muflehi was the only occupant inside the Kia Soul at the time of the collision.
Emergency units responded to the scene and transported Muflehi to UAB Hospital. He later died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at 4:02 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
No additional injuries were reported in connection with the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones.
How Rear-End Collisions with Large Trucks Can Lead to Severe Injuries
Crashes involving passenger vehicles and large tractor-trailers often result in serious damage due to the significant size and weight difference between the vehicles. When a smaller vehicle strikes the rear of a large truck, the front of the car can absorb much of the impact.
These collisions sometimes occur on highways where vehicles travel at higher speeds. Reduced visibility at night, sudden traffic slowdowns, or following too closely can increase the risk of a rear-end crash.
Passenger vehicles are designed with safety features such as airbags and crumple zones. However, impacts involving large commercial trucks can still generate severe forces that cause major damage.
Maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert to traffic conditions can help reduce the risk of rear-end crashes on busy highways.
