HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — Hoover Police Department are still investigating after two people were killed in crashes Monday evening, one of whom worked at Oak Mountain High School.

According to HPD Captain Keith Czeskleba, the first crash occurred on Valleydale Road at the I-65 overpass. The preliminary investigation suggests that a Ford Expedition was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes on Valleydale Road when it struck a Toyota Camry head-on.

The driver of the Expedition, later identified 44-year-old Roger Maurice Jones, of Hoover, fled the scene on foot. He was then struck by a Mitsubishi Outlander on I-65 South, resulting in a second crash.

Jones was transported to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Outlander remained on the scene.

Both the driver and passenger of the Camry were transported to UAB Hospital. The passenger, 55-year-old Parul Jani, of Hoover, who worked at Oak Mountain High School, was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is currently being treated for serious injuries.

Oak Mountain High School released the following statement:

We are saddened by the devastating news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Parul Jani. Mrs. Jani worked at Oak Mountain High School for 18 years, and her impact on our school community was immeasurable. Her warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff made her an integral part of our Oak Mountain family.

This tragic accident has left us all in shock and mourning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Nitinchandra, and their 3 children. We hope for his swift recovery and that he finds strength in the presence of his family during this difficult time. 

Andrew Gunn, Principal of Oak Mountain High School