Corbin man killed in Laurel County accident

A Corbin man was killed Thursday night when his van hit a Chevrolet pickup truck on east Ky. 80 in the Bush community of Laurel County.

According to Laurel County Sheriff Fred Yaden, Willie D. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which occurred near the intersection of Ky. and Grubb Road.

The driver of the pickup truck, Christopher L. Caudill of London, was taken to St. Joseph-London and then transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Officials at UK said Friday, he is in fair condition.

Deputy Jerry Jones, accident reconstructionist, is continuing the investigation, but said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the wreck.

Bush Volunteer Fire Department Chief Don Minton said Ky. 80 was closed to traffic in both directions for about four hours as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies were assisted at the scene by Kentucky State Police troopers Don Trosper and Lloyd Cocharn, Bush Volunteer Fire Department, London-Laurel County Rescue Squad, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, the Ky. Department of Highways and Laurel County Division of Public Safety.