Multi-Car Accident Casualties Lake City, AR – Four people, including two students from Manila High School, died, and several others were injured in a serious collision that involved three vehicles.

 Friday evening, December 5, 2025, was a sorrowful day in Lake City, Arkansas, as a disastrous multi-vehicle crash claimed the lives of four people and left several others injured. The incident, which involved eight students from Manila High School, occurred at approximately 6:54 p.m. on Highway 18, just east of Lake City.

The accident involved three cars, prompting a temporary closure of the highway as emergency personnel rushed to the scene. By 8:43 p.m., the thoroughfare had been reopened, yet the emotional aftermath continues to affect the community. Among those who lost their lives were two young students, which has brought immense grief and disbelief to their friends, teachers, and families.

Families and Students in Agonizing Waiting

Six students were transported to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment. Among them is Brady Curtwright, whose family has shared a devastating update regarding his health, indicating that he has shown no brain activity since the accident. His mother conveyed the profound anguish that parents face in such dire circumstances: the desperate search for hope amid deep sorrow. “Since the beginning, he has not demonstrated any brain function... Please, please, there is only one possibility, and that is a miracle,” she expressed, appealing to the community for prayers and support. For many individuals, the uncertainty surrounding the health of their loved ones intensifies the collective grief.

Residents, educational institutions, and local churches are uniting to provide emotional support, counseling, and prayers for the affected students and their families. Community members persist in arranging vigils and outreach initiatives, aiming to bring comfort to those mourning as they navigate the shock of the sudden loss of young lives.

Seeking Answers and Offering Support

Authorities, including the Arkansas State Police, are diligently looking into this tragic event to determine its causes. While details are still unclear, this tragedy underscores the fragile nature of life and the profound impact such incidents have on closely connected communities. Lake City Mayor Cameron Tate described the crash as “devastating for our community,” acknowledging the grief that has engulfed the town.

Local establishments such as Champion Coffee have openly shared their condolences, emphasizing the collective sorrow and the need for prayers, strength, and healing. “Our hearts are so heavy today... The terrible accident that occurred last night has shaken our entire community... May God keep each of you close today and in the days that follow,” the local business stated.