By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

A 48-year-old Alabaster man was killed and three others were injured Aug. 27 in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 near Verbena.

The crash occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on Interstate 65 at the 199-mile marker, near the Verbena exit in Chilton County, a representative at the Alabama State Trooper Montgomery post said.

Santiago Garcia, 48, died when the 1998 Ford Explorer he was driving northbound experienced a tire blowout. Garcia’s vehicle then overturned several times, crossed the median and collided with two southbound vehicles. Garcia’s wife, who was the only passenger in the vehicle, suffered life-threatening injuries.

The other vehicles involved were a 2009 Dodge Journey and a 2007 Ford U-Haul truck. There were no injuries in the Dodge. Both occupants in the U-Haul, however, suffered serious injuries.

The three individuals with injuries were transported to UAB Hospital, one by ambulance and two by helicopter.

As of Aug. 30, Alabama State Troopers had not released any more details, and were still investigating the cause of the wreck.