BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A second man has been confirmed dead following a devastating crash on Interstate 22 in Jefferson County early Sunday morning.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the second victim as Tramaine Quintell Pruitt, 45, of Birmingham. His death was confirmed after investigators conducted a more detailed examination of the wreckage and discovered an additional occupant inside the vehicle.
Authorities said the first victim, Jarad Jawan Pruitt, 29, of Birmingham, was pronounced dead at the scene near mile marker 91 close to Brookside.
According to the Coroner’s Office, extensive collision and thermal damage to the vehicle initially prevented the discovery of the second occupant. Further examination later revealed Tramaine Pruitt’s remains, and his identity was confirmed through dental comparison.
Family members confirmed to the Coroner’s Office that the two men were cousins.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m. Sunday when the Pruitts’ vehicle collided head-on with an 18-wheeler on I-22. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
