Samuel Jim Killed in Bucket Truck Accident on I-35 near Ardmore, OK
Ardmore, OK -- February 3, 2022, 31-year-old Samuel Jim was killed when his bucket truck left the lanes of Interstate 35 and crashed near Ardmore.
Authorities say the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on I-35 at mile marker 27. Preliminary investigation suggests Jim was driving a Freightliner M2 bucket truck when he lost control on the icy road surface. The truck traveled off the highway and overturned, partially ejecting Jim and pinning him beneath the vehicle until emergency personnel arrived.
Samuel Jim, allegedly not wearing a seat belt when the truck crashed, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the truck received an arm injury and was taken to an area hospital.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Samuel Jim Accident on I-35 near Ardmore
Some people may read the reported details of this matter, sadly shake their heads, and blame the whole incident on the icy lanes of the interstate. That's an understandable impulse, as bad weather and poor road conditions certainly make it more difficult to control just about any kind of vehicle. However, it's important not to simply assume that "ice" really explains the entirety of the situation. Prudent investigators will ensure the whole truth of the matter is known by investigating other potential issues as well.
Some may roll their eyes at that, but I'm not trying to point any fingers here. After just about any accident, no matter how clear-cut preliminary reports may make them seem, it's simply in everyone's best interests to eliminate any remaining variables. That means looking at things like the truck's condition and maintenance history, the driver's health records to check if an incapacitating medical issue could have occurred, any possible distractions in or around the truck, whether any other vehicles might have been involved but left the scene, and other issues should all be accounted for. Maybe in the end ice truly will be the culprit, but it's important that the victim's family receive any answers they can get.
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