Anthoney Hale hurt in three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 in London

Driver of westbound semi-truck struck head-on after wrong-way vehicle hit another rig near mile marker 78

January 05, 2026 | London, AR

A tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in London, Arkansas, resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to another driver late on a Monday night.

Anthoney Level Hale, 47, of Benton, was injured after his semi-truck was struck head-on by a wrong-way Chevrolet Malibu on Interstate 40 in London.

What Happened in the Crash?

According to the Arkansas State Police report, the incident occurred near mile marker 78 in Pope County at around 10:38 p.m. A 2004 Chevrolet Malibu drove eastbound in the westbound lanes, prompting a westbound 2015 Volvo semi-truck to swerve right to avoid a crash. The Malibu then struck the rear of the semi before crossing into another lane and colliding head-on with a westbound 2025 International semi operated by 47-year-old Anthoney Level Hale of Benton.

• Date and Time: Jan. 5, approximately 10:38 p.m.
• Location: Interstate 40 near mile marker 78, London, Pope County, AR
• Vehicles Involved: 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, wrong-way, 2015 Volvo semi-truck, 2025 International semi-truck
• Injuries: One fatality, a 47-year-old driver from Dover in the Malibu, and Anthoney Level Hale hospitalized with injuries at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center
• Agency: Investigated by Arkansas State Police

Further details from the investigation remain pending release.

Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur?

Wrong-way driving poses severe risks to all highway users. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that up to 75% of such incidents stem from drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. Other common contributors include:

• Driver inattention or error
• Distracted driving, such as phone use
• Inadequate signage or road design flaws

Data sourced from NTSB, FHWA, and CDC reports on highway safety.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes to determine liability and support recovery efforts.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision. Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”

• Key Takeaways from Analysts:
• Prompt evidence collection is crucial in wrong-way crash cases to identify causes like impairment or road hazards.
• Reconstruction professionals can clarify collision dynamics, aiding in fair compensation.
• Delays in the investigation may weaken claims against negligent parties.

Pending the results of the investigation, injured parties like those in semi-truck collisions may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. “The stress and worry following a serious injury could be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”

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