Authorities have confirmed that a second man has died following a catastrophic crash on Interstate 22 early Sunday morning, raising the death toll to two in what officials are calling one of the most destructive highway accidents seen in the area in recent months.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the newly confirmed victim as Tramaine Quintell Pruitt, 45, of Birmingham. His death was determined after investigators conducted a more exhaustive review of the wreckage and discovered another occupant inside the burned vehicle. Due to the extreme impact and fire damage, responders were initially unable to locate or identify the second victim. Officials later confirmed Tramaine Pruitt’s identity through dental records.
The first victim, Jarad Jawan Pruitt, 29, also of Birmingham, was pronounced dead at the scene near mile marker 91 in the Brookside area. The coroner’s office confirmed that the two men were cousins, compounding the grief for family members now mourning the loss of both relatives in a single incident.
The crash occurred around 2:53 a.m. when the Pruitts’ vehicle collided head-on with an 18-wheeler traveling along I-22. Authorities said the collision triggered an intense fire that engulfed the passenger vehicle, severely hindering rescue and recovery efforts. The driver of the tractor-trailer survived and was treated at the scene for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical crews remained on scene for several hours, working to control the blaze, secure the interstate, and carefully inspect the debris. Investigators noted that the severity of the crash and resulting fire made it difficult to immediately assess the full extent of the incident.
The coroner’s office stressed that cases involving extreme damage require meticulous forensic analysis, even after initial conclusions are reached. The later discovery of Tramaine Pruitt underscores the complexity of fatal crash investigations and the importance of thorough follow-up examinations.
News of the deaths has reverberated throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County. Friends and relatives described both Jarad and Tramaine as family-oriented men with strong ties to their community. Social media has since filled with messages of remembrance, with many expressing heartbreak over the loss of two cousins in the same tragedy.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including possible contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, and impairment. No official determination has yet been released, and authorities say additional updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
As the community grieves, safety officials are reminding drivers of the heightened risks associated with overnight travel and the dangers posed by head-on collisions, particularly on highways shared with commercial vehicles.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the Pruitt family as they face an unimaginable loss, while authorities work to fully understand the events that led to the deadly crash on I-22.