FAYETTEVILLE, Washington County, Ark., Oct. 29, 2026 — A car crash with reported injuries blocked a lane of northbound Highway 71 near Fayetteville on Wednesday morning, October 28, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
ARDOT reported around 8 a.m. that the crash had closed the left lane of northbound Highway 71 near the Futrall Drive exit. The agency's report noted injuries were involved but did not specify how many people were hurt or how serious the injuries were.
Traffic backed up through the exit loops connecting from Interstate 49. Drivers were urged to avoid the area while crews worked the scene.
No additional details on the cause of the crash or the vehicles involved have been released. The extent of the injuries remains unconfirmed, and it is not clear whether the lane closure has since been lifted.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Fayetteville, AR
This crash happened on Highway 71 in Fayetteville, AR. We cover crashes across Washington County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Washington County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed make a difference in how bad a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in a collision, which tends to raise the risk of serious injury.
Why does distracted driving lead to crashes like this?
Even a few seconds of looking away from the road, at a phone or elsewhere, is enough time to miss slowing traffic or a lane closure ahead.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fayetteville, AR
If you're involved in a crash on a busy highway like this one, try to get your vehicle out of the active lane if it's safe to move, and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call for help right away and stay with anyone who is hurt until responders arrive. Even if you feel fine, some injuries from a collision don't show symptoms immediately, so a medical check is worth doing. Take photos of the scene if you're able, and get the names and contact information of anyone involved or nearby who saw what happened. Keeping a copy of any official crash report filed afterward can also help later on.
