Odessa woman killed in collision in east Grant County in dust storm

MARLIN — A 71-year-old Odessa woman died late Tuesday afternoon when her vehicle was struck from behind by a semi during a dust storm in eastern Grant County, according to a statement by Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Kelly Korpinen was driving northbound on Road W Northeast when she approached the brownout conditions of the dust storm about six miles north of the town of Ruff. Korpinen stopped her vehicle, blocking the northbound lane, when she was struck from behind by a water truck driven by 27-year-old Randy Gross of Marlin.

Korpinen was pronounced dead at the scene. Gross was not injured.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, and neither alcohol nor drugs was a factor in the collision, according to law enforcement. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.