Robert “Bobby” Moczygemba Killed in Truck Fire Accident in Karnes County, TX
Karnes County, TX -- June 29, 2022, Robert "Bobby" Moczygemba was killed following an accident resulting from a truck crashing off-road.
In reports, authorities said that 74-year-old Robert "Bobby" Gene Moczygemba was in a residence along the side of FM 81, just off County Road 242.
While inside the residence, a crash occurred outside Moczygemba's home. Police said that an International truck carry crude oil drifted off-road and rolled into the ditch. Doing so, the truck hit a power pole and spilled oil. A fire then sparked, spreading to Moczygemba's home.
Reports say that Moczygemba was killed due to conditions relating to the fire. The truck driver, identified as 44-year-old Christopher James Pittman, reportedly had non-incapacitating injuries.
Police say the truck driver gave differing statements following the crash, saying both that the crash involved falling asleep and that it happened as he reached for a drink in the passenger seat. The exact cause of the crash cannot be confirmed at this time.
Commentary on Bobby Gene Moczygemba Truck Fire Accident in Karnes County
To call this tragic simply wouldn't do it justice. A man simply minding his own business in the supposed safety of his own home loses his life, possibly due to someone reaching for a soda. That's just unconscionable, and the mere possibility that's what happened here is enough to make my blood boil. But as open-and-shut as things may seem based on these initial reports, it's always important to consider that commercial truck wrecks are rarely as black and white as they seem. Victims and families deserve to know they're getting the full story, especially if there is more than one person responsible for these awful events.
For example, reports suggest fatigue could be a factor here, as well. It's generally up to drivers to manage their time responsibly. But sometimes, their employers reinforce or outright demand reckless behavior. A case I had not long ago involved drivers coerced into meeting absolutely ludicrous deadlines under threat of losing their jobs. It was just a matter of time before someone got seriously hurt. Without facing stiff consequences to make them clean up their act, others no doubt would continue to get hurt.
Maybe nothing like that happened here, and this is a simple case of a reckless driver that needs to be held accountable. Maybe this is some one-in-a-million accident resulting from unusual circumstances authorities wouldn't typically consider. One way or the other, there needs to be answers about why this man lost his life and who is responsible for a family having to bury their loved one.
[jump]
