FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. — A multi-vehicle crash on Saturday morning claimed the life of a young Moulton man and left several others hospitalized, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The accident occurred at approximately 8:25 a.m. on Alabama Highway 24 near Franklin County 99, roughly ten miles east of Russellville. Authorities reported that the wreck involved three vehicles, including a car, a truck, and a third vehicle struck in the chain-reaction collision.
The victim was identified as 23-year-old Bobby L. Hodge of Moulton. Investigators said Hodge was driving his car when it collided with a truck. The impact forced both vehicles into a third car before overturning. Despite immediate response from emergency crews, Hodge did not survive the crash. Officials confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, a factor they say likely contributed to the severity of his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to Hodge’s tragic death, ALEA confirmed that several others were injured. The truck’s driver and two passengers, including a 13-year-old, sustained injuries and were transported to Helen Keller Hospital for treatment. Though described as serious, officials said their conditions were not believed to be life-threatening.
The occupants of the third vehicle also suffered injuries in the collision. Both individuals were taken to Helen Keller Hospital for medical evaluation. The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed, though authorities confirmed they were receiving care. Emergency personnel worked quickly to stabilize the victims while managing the chaotic crash scene.
The collision caused significant traffic disruption along Alabama Highway 24 as first responders worked to treat the injured, clear the wreckage, and begin the initial stages of their investigation. ALEA troopers noted that the violent sequence of impacts underscored the unpredictable dangers of highway driving, particularly in multi-vehicle incidents where the outcome can escalate rapidly.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Factors such as speed, driver behavior, and road conditions are all under review. Officials also reiterated the importance of wearing seat belts, reminding drivers that proper restraints are among the most effective protections in serious crashes. For the family and friends of Bobby L. Hodge, the community’s grief is compounded by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a life cut tragically short.