LAMAR, Ark. — A Russellville man was killed Thursday afternoon when the raised bed of the dump truck he was driving struck an Interstate 40 bridge in Lamar, causing the truck to overturn.
Arkansas State Police have identified the driver as Markus Embry, 56, of Russellville.
According to the preliminary fatal crash report, Embry was traveling south on U.S. Highway 64 near Lamar around 12:30 p.m. on October 15 in a 2025 Freightliner dump truck.
Investigators say the truck’s dump bed was in the raised position when its upper portion struck an outer metal girder of the westbound I-40 bridge. The truck then overturned.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene around 12:54 p.m.
A medical helicopter was initially requested, but shortly after 1:08 p.m., an officer at the scene advised dispatch that the driver was deceased.
Highway 64 was completely blocked as emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. Arkansas Highway Police officers were also called to assist with the investigation.
The State Police report lists no other vehicles involved and no additional injuries. Weather conditions were clear, and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash.
Embry’s body was turned over to the Johnson County coroner.
