Elberta, AL (May 19, 2025) – Emergency responders from Elberta rushed to the scene of a tragic multi-vehicle crash that left two women dead and injured multiple others on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred around 1:25 p.m. on U.S. 98 near the 70-mile marker within the Elberta city limits.
According to officials, the collision involved three vehicles. A 2014 Buick Enclave, occupied by 89-year-old Johanna A. Martin and 55-year-old Toni L. Robinson, both residents of Lillian, was rear-ended by a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by 74-year-old Daniel E. Middleton of Foley. The impact forced the Buick into oncoming traffic, where it then collided head-on with a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by 70-year-old Donald B. Childress of Gulf Shores.
First responders, including paramedics and fire personnel, quickly assessed the scene and rendered aid to the injured victims. Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Martin was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Both Middleton and Childress sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to South Baldwin Hospital for medical treatment. The specific nature of their injuries has not been released at this time.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. At this stage, no citations have been issued, and authorities have not disclosed further details.
Our hearts go out to the families of Johanna Martin and Toni Robinson as well as the other individuals affected by this devastating incident.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions in Alabama
Tragic crashes like the one that occurred in Elberta underscore the severe consequences that can arise from high-impact collisions involving multiple vehicles. U.S. 98 is a frequently traveled corridor through Baldwin County, and while generally considered a scenic route, sections of the highway can become particularly hazardous, especially where traffic converges near small towns like Elberta.
In this particular crash, the sequence of impacts began with a rear-end collision, which led to a catastrophic head-on impact—two of the most dangerous crash types. Rear-end collisions often occur due to inattentiveness, following too closely, or failing to adjust speed in congested areas. Once the Buick Enclave was pushed into oncoming traffic, the risk of serious injury increased dramatically.
When elderly or senior drivers are involved—as was the case with Martin, Robinson, Middleton, and Childress—the potential for fatal outcomes can rise due to slower reaction times and increased vulnerability to trauma. The involvement of drivers in their 70s and 80s in this crash reinforces the need for greater roadway safety measures, including public education campaigns on safe following distances and appropriate speed management on multi-use highways.
Local communities in Baldwin County have been working to improve road safety through various initiatives, but incidents like this highlight the continued need for infrastructure improvements and driver awareness efforts. Emergency response in this case was swift and professional, but even prompt medical intervention cannot always overcome the damage caused by high-velocity impacts.
Families affected by such incidents often face unexpected medical costs, emotional trauma, and long-term care needs. Support services, counseling, and legal guidance may all be critical to the recovery process. It’s crucial for communities and agencies alike to ensure resources are readily accessible to those impacted.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a serious vehicle crash in Alabama, taking proactive steps to understand your rights and options can make a meaningful difference in recovery and resolution.
If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a crash like this, help is available. At Local Accident Reports, we connect victims and their families with the support they need—whether it’s medical guidance, legal information, or compassionate follow-up resources. Reach out to learn more about your options and take the first step toward recovery today.
