Ramiro Vasquez Killed in Truck Accident on Killam Industrial Blvd in Laredo, TX
UPDATE (August 29, 2022): Reports have identified the man who died in this accident as 28-year-old Ramiro Vasquez. The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation.
Laredo, TX — August 23, 2022, one person died in a collision between tractor-trailers on Killam Industrial Boulevard in Laredo.
Reports say the incident happened Tuesday afternoon on the 8300 block of Killam Industrial near Mines Road. Preliminary investigation suggests only that two 18-wheelers, both loaded with cargo, were traveling opposite directions in the roadway. Investigators believe the westbound Volvo was traveling in the center turn lane (though not passing or turning) when the eastbound Freightliner veered out of its lane for unknown reasons and hit the Volvo.
The Freightliner's 28-year-old driver died in the crash. The Volvo's 60-year-old driver received non-life-threatening injuries.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Ramiro Vasquez Accident in Laredo
Reports aren't entirely clear about what happened here as investigators continue to connect the dots, but they say one truck was just chugging along in the center turn lane for some reason despite apparently not needing to be there. It's important to learn more about that; why wasn't it in the westbound lane? How long was it in the turn lane before the collision? Did the driver realize where he was and where he should be? If not, why not?
I'm not forgetting about the other driver, either. Investigators thought he was speeding when he lost control and swerved into the other truck. If they're right, why? It seems hard to believe he could have been going fast enough on a local road that speed alone made the truck go off-course, so what else might have been involved? Was anything wrong with the Freightliner? Was it well-maintained? Was that driver awake and alert?
I don't want to pick on either driver here. I just feel like a lot of questions went unanswered and the best way to learn the truth--and to get help for those who need it--is to look for clear and decisive evidence that tells more of the story. Were there any witnesses? Is there dashcam footage from either truck? Do the rigs' Engine Control Modules have useful data? Do debris and tire markings at the scene help explain what occurred? Were both drivers in good health? How were visibility and sightlines? What about road conditions? Weather?
Those are just a few of the many questions that must be asked after such a serious accident, but it's uncertain whether police will really dig deep enough to find their answers. Everyone affected deserves to know effort was made to get the whole story, and the details uncovered by a full investigation might be necessary to ensure they get the help they need. Will the authorities do the job right, or would independent investigations better ensure the truth is found?
