By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

A three-vehicle accident on Interstate 65 North on Oct. 29 claimed the life of a Billingsley man.

“Matthew Blair Prebula, 23, was killed when the 2015 Dodge Ram he was driving side-swiped a 2017 Nissan Altima before striking a guardrail,” Jesse Thornton of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said. “The Dodge was then struck by a 2005 Freightliner tractor trailer.”

Prebula’s vehicle caught on fire.

The accident occurred at 6:20 a.m. at mile marker 191.

“Prebula was pronounced dead at the scene,” Thornton said. “At the time of the crash, the Dodge Ram was traveling south bound in the north bound lanes.”

Pine Level Fire Department responded to scene. Verbena Fire and Rescue provided additional manpower and water as mutual aid.

“Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate,” Thornton said.

Traffic was impacted for several hours.