Dauphin Island Crash: Pickup Truck Hits Golf Cart, Injuring Four

A collision between a pickup truck and a golf cart on Dauphin Island, Alabama, resulted in multiple injuries on Saturday. The driver of the golf cart and another adult sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized. Two young children suffered minor injuries.

Eyewitness Account of the Collision

Brian Kent, a North Carolina resident vacationing on Dauphin Island, witnessed the harrowing event. While grilling at his rental home, Kent heard a loud screech, followed by a vehicle horn and tires skidding. He then observed a pickup truck collide with a golf cart.

“I heard a screech, a horn, and tires,” Kent recounted. He immediately instructed his wife to call 911. Kent reported that the pickup truck continued off the road, entering a ditch and tragically running over a woman.

Details Released by Police

Dauphin Island Police Chief Matthew Emlich identified the driver of the pickup truck as Byrd, who was driving a Ram pickup. The truck struck the six-seat golf cart from behind on Bienville Boulevard.

Impact and Injuries

The force of the impact propelled the golf cart approximately 100 feet eastward, near Sehoy Street. The two young children, aged one and two, sustained minor injuries and were released from the hospital. The golf cart driver and another adult remain hospitalized with more severe injuries, with a potentially prolonged recovery expected.

Authorities are investigating witness accounts, including a report that one of the victims may have been run over, though this remains unconfirmed. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events.

Driver's History of Traffic Violations

Court records reveal a history of traffic violations for Byrd. These include recent citations for speeding and failure to wear a seat belt, as well as prior charges for driving while suspended and revoked.

Prior DUI Conviction

In 2009, Byrd pleaded guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) in Mobile County, receiving a 90-day suspended sentence and a year of probation. Golf carts are permitted on Dauphin Island, provided they comply with Alabama state laws regarding registration, license plates, seat belts, and traffic regulations.

Witness Describes Traumatic Experience

Brian Kent described witnessing the accident as a traumatic experience, particularly the sight of the vehicle running over the victim. “It was deeply disturbing,” he stated, underscoring the emotional impact of the event.