Two die in crashes on state roadways

Two people were killed in crashes on Oklahoma roadways, authorities report.

Unidentified motorist

Nine female basketball players from Skiatook Public Schools were on their way back from a camp when an SUV collided with their bus about noon Tuesday, said Tulsa Police Department spokeswoman Jeanne MacKenzie.

The SUV driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver hasn’t been identified.

Officials say no students were injured in the crash. MacKenzie said the bus’ driver, who reported minor cuts and scrapes, and the driver’s son were transported to a hospital for medical attention as a precaution.

MacKenzie said several pallets were stacked illegally on top of the SUV.

She said witnesses reported the pallets caused the SUV to lean, prompting the driver to overcorrect.

Timothy Knutson, 45, of Weatherford

Knutson was driving a sport utility vehicle west on State Highway 51 about 5 miles east of Okeene about 12:50 p.m. Monday when he went left of center and struck a tractor-trailer head-on.

The tractor-trailer exploded.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, Tyler Mason, 32, of Enid, was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital where he was treated and released.

Knutson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Knutson did not wear a seat belt.

Mason wore a seat belt.