London, AR (January 7, 2026) – A tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 westbound near mile marker 78 in London claimed one life and left another individual injured. The collision occurred at approximately 10:38 p.m. in Pope County, prompting a response from emergency crews and the Arkansas State Police.
According to the crash report, a 2024 Chevy Malibu was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-40 when it struck the rear of a 2015 Volvo semi that had attempted to swerve right to avoid a collision. The Malibu then continued traveling in the wrong direction and struck a 2025 International truck head-on.
The driver of the Chevy Malibu, identified as 47-year-old Jason Dotson of Dover, was killed in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was released to the Pope County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the International truck, 47-year-old Anthoney Level Hale of Benton, sustained injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Regional for treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities confirmed that the road was dry and weather conditions were clear at the time of the crash. The incident remains under investigation as officials work to determine why the Chevy Malibu was traveling in the wrong direction.
Our thoughts are with the family of Jason Dotson and all those affected by this tragic collision.
