At least 3 dead in Arkansas 161 accident in Scott

At least three people were killed Friday when a sport utility vehicle veered off Arkansas 161 in Scott and crashed into a wooded area by Old River Lake.

The single-vehicle accident happened about 11:30 a.m., blocking the roadway for hours while crews worked to free the victims from the mangled wreckage and then clear the scene.

Police on scene said details on how the single-vehicle accident happened remained under investigation.

It appeared the vehicle, a GMC Jimmy, was northbound when it ran across the opposing lane of traffic and into a grove of trees off the west side of the highway between the road and Old River Lake.

One person was reportedly taken from the scene by helicopter. A second medical helicopter landed a short time later, but it left without a patient. The Pulaski County coroner's office later removed three bodies after the SUV had been pulled out and loaded onto a wrecker.

Police were still on scene at 2 p.m. with both lanes of traffic blocked on Arkansas 161