Police say alcohol or marijuana likely factors in serious crash on I-75 Thursday night

Corbin Police say Reuben Dominguez was under the influence of alcohol or marijuana Thursday night when his Chevy Trailblazer struck a rock wall on Interstate 75 and then rolled across the highway, ejecting two passengers in the process.

According to Sgt. Robbie Hodge, Dominguez, 25, of North Carolina, was traveling north on I-75 about 11 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle near the 28-mile marker. When it struck the rock wall, a passenger in the back seat, Arturo Hernandez, 40, of North Carolina, was ejected out the back window. As the vehicle rolled back across the highway, the passenger in the front seat, Victor Alcoron, 36, of North Carolina, was ejected out the front passenger window and landed in the left lane of the interstate. Alcoron was then hit by a 2000 Ford Expedition.

Hernandez and Alcoron were airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Hodge said Alcoron is listed in critical condition and Hernandez is in stable condition.

Hodge added that Dominguez had reportedly been drinking at El Dorado Restaurant in Corbin prior to the wreck. In addition, police found marijuana in the vehicle. Police are awaiting the results of blood tests on Dominguez.

Dominguez was taken to Baptist Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released to the custody of police officers. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, possession of marijuana, two counts of second-degree assault and no operator’s/moped license and lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

"He was charged with assault because he was under the influence when the wreck occurred," Hodge said. "If one of the passengers dies, the assault charge would be amended to manslaughter."

Hodge said north bound traffic on the interstate was shut down for about two hours as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.

In addition to Corbin Police, the Corbin Fire Department, Whitley County EMS and Kentucky State Police responded to the scene.