MUHLENBERG COUNTY, KY — Three people were killed Sunday in a crash at the intersection of U.S. 431 and Power Plant Road in Muhlenberg County, according to Kentucky State Police. Troopers said they responded to the fatal collision after the crash was reported over the weekend. The wreck involved a southbound vehicle that crossed the center line and struck a Ford pickup truck. All three people involved were pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.
How The Crash Happened
Investigators said a preliminary review showed a vehicle driven by 35-year-old Whitney Duarte of Central City was traveling south on U.S. 431 when it crossed the center line. Police said it then collided with a Ford pickup truck driven by 56-year-old Kevin Latham of Bremen, Kentucky. Latham’s truck also carried a passenger, 67-year-old Joey Watkins of Central City. The report did not say what caused the vehicle to leave its lane.
Victims Identified By Police
Kentucky State Police identified the three people who died in the crash as Duarte, Latham and Watkins. Duarte was the driver of the southbound vehicle, while Latham was driving the pickup truck. Watkins was a passenger in the Ford truck. Authorities said the coroner pronounced all three dead at the scene, underscoring the severity of the collision and leaving the roadway closed to response crews while the investigation began.
Roadway And Community Impact
The crash happened in Muhlenberg County, which includes Central City and Bremen, two of the communities named in the police report. Fatal crashes on rural highways can affect multiple families at once, especially when passengers are involved. The intersection of U.S. 431 and Power Plant Road was the location of the collision, but authorities did not release any information about additional vehicles or injuries. No further details were provided about funeral arrangements or family notifications.
Investigation Continues
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. At this stage, Kentucky State Police have only released preliminary findings about the southbound vehicle crossing the center line before impact. The agency did not say whether speed, distraction, impairment or road conditions were factors. Those details may be addressed later if investigators complete their review. For now, the case is being treated as a fatal traffic crash with no final cause announced.
CLS Gator Prints keeps Illinois and the Heartland in the know.
