Three storm chasers killed in West Texas car crash
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Three storm chasers were killed Tuesday after their cars collided at an intersection during severe West Texas storms.
Lt. Bryan Witt of the Texas Department of Public Safety says the crash involved a Jeep and a Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle. He says one person was in one vehicle and two in their other.
Extremely bad news west of Spur TX. I'm at a scene of triple fatality accident two are storm chasers. #txwx @NWSLubbock
— Jeff Piotrowski (@Jeff_Piotrowski) March 28, 2017
The Weather Channel identified two of the deceased as Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall, who were both contractors for the network.
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"Kelley and Randy were beloved members of the weather community," the channel said in a statement. "We are saddened by this loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of all."
The driver of the Jeep was identified as storm chaser Corbin Lee Jaeger of Peoria, Arizona, Fox 34 reported.
According to the Department of Public Safety, one vehicle apparently ran a stop sign at the intersection near the town of Spur, about 55 miles southeast of Lubbock and collided with a black Jeep that was traveling westbound. All three occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Tornadoes had been reported nearby at the time of the crash and heavy rain had been reported in the area, according to the National Weather Service.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.