Driver flees crash that killed woman and is fatally hit by another car, Alabama cops say
A wrong-way driver caused a head-on crash that killed a woman, then he fled and was fatally struck by another car, Alabama cops say.
Parul Jani, 55, and Roger Maurice Jones, 44, were both killed, according to Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans.
According to a preliminary investigation, Jones was driving on the wrong side of the road in Hoover, Alabama, on the evening of Oct. 9, the Hoover Police Department said in an Oct. 10 news release. He was driving an SUV north in the southbound lanes near the overpass of I-65.
That’s when he collided head-on with the Toyota Camry, driven by Nitinchandra Jani, with Parul Jani in the passenger seat, police and school officials said.
Both were taken to a hospital, where the husband was treated for serious injuries and the wife was pronounced dead, police said.
After the first crash, Jones “fled that scene on foot and ran onto I-65,” according to Hoover police. He was trying to cross the highway when he was struck by another SUV, police said.
That driver stayed on the scene, according to police. Jones was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the coroner said.
McClatchy News could not immediately reach Hoover police for more details.
Nitin Jani is a custodian at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where Parul Jani also worked as support staff in child nutrition.
Principal Andrew Gunn shared the following statement about the couple’s accident.
“We are saddened by the devastating news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Parul Jani,” Gunn wrote. “Mrs. Jani worked at Oak Mountain High School for 18 years, and her impact on our school community was immeasurable. Her warmth, dedication and unwavering commitment to our students and staff made her an integral part of our Oak Mountain family.”
The community is in mourning while wishing the beloved custodian a speedy recovery.
“This tragic accident has left us all in shock and mourning,” Gunn wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Nitinchandra, and their 3 children. We hope for his swift recovery and that he finds strength in the presence of his family during this difficult time.”
Hoover police traffic investigators are looking into the crashes, police said.
“Oh my goodness. We are heartbroken,” one woman wrote on Facebook. “Vance ADORED Mr. Jani!! He still tells stories about him. My prayers are with him and his family.”
Hoover is about 10 miles south of Birmingham.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Driver flees crash that killed woman and is fatally hit by another car, Alabama cops say."