UPDATE 2: THP says breakthrough made in identifying Walnut Grove crash victims

UPDATE 2, 8 P.M.-- The Tennessee Highway Patrol now says investigators have reason to believe  the two victims of Friday night's fatal crash have been identified, and that the next of kin have been made aware.

DNA testing is being conducted and the results should become available later next week. Once there is more definitive proof from the medical examiner's office the names will be released, the THP said.

UPDATE 1, 2 P.M.-- The Tennessee Highway Patrol reports investigators continue to seek information about a fatal vehicle crash which occurred Friday night near Walnut Grove and the Alabama state line.

According to the THP, at about 11 p.m. yesterday, a crash was reported to the THP. What at this time is believed to be a Mercedes sport utility vehicle, possibly a dark-colored 2005 model, was traveling south on Holland’s Creek Road.

The vehicle went off the road and hit a tree. The vehicle burned beyond recognition and the remains of two occupants were discovered.

The THP says it is continuing efforts to properly identify the make and model of the vehicle, and notes that because the crash site is near the popular recreation area of Pickwick Lake, it’s possible the crash victims were not local and might be from the Tennessee-Alabama-Mississippi tri-state area or beyond.

Anyone with information that might help in identification of the occupants or the vehicle is urged to contact the THP at 800-736-3993, THP Lt. William Siler at william.siler@tn.gov or your local sheriff’s office.

INITIAL REPORT-- The Tennessee Highway Patrol says this morning that it is investigating a fatal car crash that occurred Friday night on Holland's Creek Road in the Walnut Grove area of Hardin County, about a quarter mile from the Alabama state line.

THP investigators have so far been unable to identify either the vehicle that was involved in the crash or the two victims who were killed. They ask that anyone with information call the Highway Patrol at 800-736-3993 or the local law enforcement office.

The vehicle hit a tree and ignited, according to other sources.