Cabot, AR (May 29, 2026) – A 72-year-old man was killed, and a 73-year-old woman was injured following a three-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon on Highway 89 (West Main Street) in Cabot.
The crash occurred at about 2:29 p.m. on May 27, 2026, under cloudy skies and clear road conditions. Investigators said a Subaru Forester failed to yield while making a left turn and struck a Chevrolet Cruze traveling westbound.
After the initial impact, the Cruze came to a stop in the westbound lane, and the driver exited the vehicle. A Kia Sorento then struck the rear of the stopped car and also hit the pedestrian, later identified as 72-year-old Antonio Freitas of Cabot, who was outside the vehicle.
Freitas was pronounced dead following the crash. The driver of the Cruze, 73-year-old Theodora A. Millerline of Cabot, was injured and taken to UAMS for treatment. The driver of the Subaru Forester remained at the scene as the investigation continued. No additional information has been released, but the examination into the sequence of events leading to the multi-vehicle crash remains ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Antonio Freitas, and we hope for a full recovery for the injured driver.
How Secondary Impacts Increase Risk in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Multi-vehicle crashes can become more severe when an initial collision leaves a disabled vehicle in an active travel lane. Stopped or disabled vehicles can create sudden obstacles that are difficult for approaching drivers to avoid.
When occupants exit a vehicle after a crash, they may be exposed to additional traffic hazards, especially on busy highways. Subsequent impacts can significantly increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries.
Investigators usually review the timing of each impact, vehicle positioning, and roadway conditions to understand how a chain reaction developed. These factors help determine how an initial traffic violation can escalate into a more complex and dangerous sequence of events.
