JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal collision that occurred Monday morning in Jefferson County, leaving a Birmingham woman dead and a young child injured. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deceased as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, who was pronounced dead at the scene following the early morning crash.
According to Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen, the accident involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck and occurred around 6:46 a.m. Emergency crews were dispatched to the site shortly after reports of the collision came in. Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured inside her vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries before she could be transported to a hospital.
A child passenger who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the crash and was quickly transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. Officials have not released details about the child’s age or current condition. The dump truck driver involved in the collision was not injured, authorities confirmed.
The crash caused extensive damage and forced a complete closure of the roadway for about five hours as emergency crews worked to investigate, remove the damaged vehicles, and clear debris from the area. Traffic was redirected until the scene was deemed safe for reopening later in the morning.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation into the cause of the deadly crash. Investigators are examining factors such as speed, road conditions, and visibility at the time of the collision. Officials have not indicated whether any citations or charges are expected pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities extended their condolences to Austin’s family and loved ones, noting the heartbreaking nature of the incident. Local residents expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, especially given the involvement of a child. As the investigation continues, officials are reminding motorists to remain cautious on the roads during early morning commutes, particularly in areas where large commercial vehicles are present.