Head-on crash closes S.H. 33

A head-on injury accident closed S.H. 33 a half mile east of Kingfisher for more than three hours Monday morning as emergency responders worked to clear the roadway, according to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report.

Chance Joseph Payne, 30, of Guthrie was flown by helicopter to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City where he was admitted in stable condition with leg and internal injuries.

Hicham Benssassi, 37, of Bethany, was transported by Kingfisher EMS to OU Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

The accident happened about 6 a.m. when a westbound 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driven by Payne crossed left of center for an unknown reason and then attempted to return to the westbound lane.

Meanwhile, Benssassi, driving an eastbound 2007 Chevrolet Express G3500 passenger van, apparently took evasive action by swerving to the left and the two vehicles met head on, according to the OHP report.

Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt but were not ejected from their vehicles, according to the report. Neither vehicle carried additional passengers.

The accident was investigated by OHP Trooper Kevin Edsall of the Kingfisher County detachment, assisted by troopers Trent Cagle, Donald Kraft and Mathew Conway, OHP Lt. Bill Reitz, Kingfisher County Sheriff’s Office and Kingfisher fire, EMS, and police departments.