The Arkansas State Police says a 31-year-old Russellville woman died Sunday as the result of a two vehicle accident near mile marker 81 on I40 in Russellville shortly before 5 p.m.
According to an ASP Preliminary Report, Shala-Bell Sanders died when the 2005 Buick she was driving westbound was struck in the rear by a 2020 Volkswagon that was changing lanes. The Volkswagon, driven by 29-year-old Rebecca Rockenhaus of Fayetteville, was moving from the outside line to the inside lane when the wreck occurred.
The impact caused both vehicles to come to rest in the median.
Sanders died at the scene. Rockenhaus and an unidentified minor were both taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Russellville for treatment.
State trooper William Crabb noted weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the accident.
Sanders' death is the 230th in the state this year on Arkansas roads and highways compared to 204 fatalities during the same time period a year ago.
