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 near Mines Road. Preliminary investigation suggests only that two 18-wheelers, both loaded with cargo, were traveling opposite directions in the roadway. Investigators believe one of the trucks was in the center median and its trailer somehow partially blocked the opposite lane. The oncoming big rig crashed into the trailer.
Investigators confirmed a 28-year-old man died in the crash. A 60-year-old man driving the other big rig was injured.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Laredo Truck Accident on Killam Industrial Blvd
Reports aren't entirely clear about what happened here as investigators continue to connect the dots, but they say one truck was in the center median and its trailer may have blocked the oncoming lane for some reason. Clearly it's important to learn more about that; why was the truck in the median? How long was it there before the collision? How did its trailer end up partially blocking oncoming traffic? Could or should the driver have done something differently to prevent that? What about the oncoming driver--did he have time or room to stop or steer clear instead of hitting the trailer?
To be sure those and other questions are answered, investigators should look for clear and decisive evidence that tells more of the story. Does either truck have a dashcam? What does the electronic data from each truck say about what the drivers did? Do debris analysis and tire markings at the scene help explain what occurred? Could one driver or the other have lost control somehow? If so, why? Were both drivers awake, alert, and paying attention to their surroundings? What condition were both trucks in? Could damaged or defective parts in either have contributed to the crash? How were visibility and sightlines? What about road conditions? Weather? Were there any witnesses?
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 answers. Everyone affected deserves to know proper effort was made to get the full story, and the details uncovered by a thorough investigation might be necessary to ensure they get the help they need as well. Will the authorities do the job right, or would independent investigations better ensure the truth is found?
