The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a personal injury collision occurred at 11:48 p.m. Friday night at the intersection of US-77 and Coleman Road, about 1 mile north of Ponca City in Kay County.
The first vehicle was a 2009 Pontiac driven by Shannon Laird, 37, of Ponca City. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel from injuries sustained in collision.
The second vehicle was a 2023 Hyundai driven by Orville Wilks, 69, of Ponca City. He was transported by Ponca City EMS to Integris Health in Ponca City, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
A passenger in Wilks’ vehicle, Randy Wilks, 67, of Ponca City was transported by Ponca City EMS to Integris Health in Ponca City, where they were also treated and released with minor injuries.
According to the Highway Patrol’s report, Laird’s vehicle was Eastbound on Coleman Road. Wilks’ vehicle was southbound on US-77. Laird’s vehicle failed to yield from the stop sign, crossing in front of Wilks’ vehicle. Wilks’ vehicle struck Laird’s vehicle on the driver’s side. After impact, both vehicles went into the center median where Laird’s vehicle caught fire. Laird was pinned for approximately 3 hours. The cause of the collision is listed as being under investigation at this time. Laird’s condition at the time of the collision is listed as being under investigation as well. It is unknown if seatbelts and airbags were in use in Laird’s vehicle; both were reported to be in use in Wilks’ vehicle.
The accident was investigated by Trooper Vaughan #832 of the Kay/Noble County detachment of Troop K. Assisted by Trooper Byrd #676 of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit.
The Kay County Sheriff’s Office, Ponca City Fire and EMS, and Ponca City Police Department also assisted.
