One person was killed and several others were injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 270 West in Hot Spring County, including victims from Pine Bluff and Leola, according to preliminary crash information.
The crash occurred at about 3:26 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2026, on Highway 270 West near Magnet Cove. Authorities said a westbound 2010 Cadillac crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2025 Buick. After the impact, the Buick left the roadway and overturned.
Jeri Winiecki, 43, of Hot Springs, the driver of the Buick, was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Her body was held at the Hot Spring County facility.
Several people were injured in the collision and transported to area hospitals, including CHI St. Vincent and Baptist Medical Center.
Among the injured were Gordon Barner, 46, of Pine Bluff, who was a passenger in the Cadillac, and Ricky Smith, 48, of Leola, who was driving the Cadillac. Also injured were Ryan Winiecki, 18, of Hot Springs, a passenger in the Buick, and Sonya Brown, 47, of Carthage, a passenger in the Cadillac.
Authorities reported the weather was cloudy at the time of the crash and the roadway was wet, which may have contributed to the incident. The crash remains under investigation.
