Tulsa, Oklahoma — A violent collision at one of Tulsa’s busiest intersections left two men dead early Saturday morning, turning what should have been a quiet overnight drive into a scene of twisted metal and tragedy. The crash occurred around 2:10 a.m. on October 5 at the intersection of 21st Street and Memorial Drive, a location now marked by shattered glass, tire marks, and the haunting silence of loss.

According to police, the crash involved a Jeep Wrangler and a Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Investigators believe one of the vehicles ran a red light, setting off a devastating chain reaction that ended with both vehicles destroyed and two lives cut short. Witnesses described the moment of impact as deafening—a violent burst of sound that echoed through the early morning darkness.

The Dodge Dakota, carrying two men, was struck with such force that it spun violently across the intersection before crashing into a traffic pole. The impact was catastrophic, throwing both occupants from the vehicle. One man, Kortlin S. Harmon, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he fought for his life but succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The Jeep Wrangler, driven by another man whose name has not been released, veered off course and slammed into a wooden utility pole, narrowly missing several roadside businesses. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, finding the driver conscious but shaken. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later questioned by investigators.

Police are now reviewing surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras and examining vehicle data recorders in an effort to determine exactly what led to the collision. Preliminary reports suggest excessive speed and possible failure to yield may have played a role, but officials have not yet confirmed which driver ran the red light.

Witnesses who saw the crash described a scene of chaos and disbelief. “It sounded like an explosion,” said one resident who lives near the intersection. “When I looked outside, there was debris everywhere—metal, glass, smoke. I could tell right away it was bad.”

Firefighters and paramedics worked for nearly an hour to clear the scene, cutting through mangled steel to remove victims and secure the area. Traffic was diverted as investigators documented evidence under the harsh glare of floodlights, the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber hanging heavy in the air.

Friends and family members have since gathered near the crash site, leaving flowers, photos, and handwritten notes at the base of the damaged pole. Many described the victims as hardworking men who were loved by their families and respected in their community. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones struggling to make sense of the tragedy.

The intersection of 21st and Memorial has long been a concern for residents due to frequent speeding and traffic signal violations. City officials say they plan to review recent data and consider potential safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

As Tulsa mourns the loss of two lives, the community is left grappling with the painful reminder that one careless moment behind the wheel can change everything. Police continue to investigate, determined to uncover the truth about what caused the fatal collision and to bring closure to the families now grieving an unimaginable loss.