Charles Calahan Killed in 4-Vehicle Accident on TX-110 in Smith County
Smith County, TX — August 29, 2022, 94-year-old Charles Calahan died in a four-vehicle accident on State Highway 110 in Smith County.
According to reports the incident happened around 9:40 a.m. on TX-110 at Meadow Cemetery Road, around half a mile south of Tyler. Preliminary investigation suggests Calahan was driving a Honda Civic on Meadow Cemetery when he started to turn left onto the highway.
The Honda allegedly entered the path of a southbound Ford Explorer, then crashed with both it and a nearby Chevrolet Suburban. After the initial impact it entered the northbound highway and collided with a Peterbilt 18-wheeler.
Calahan, reportedly wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries in the wreck. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Charles Calahan Accident in Smith County
People may read reports about this crash and see a victim's simple but tragic failure to yield, but before closing the book on the accident it's important to investigate carefully and find out if there's more to the story.
For example: Did the Honda have mechanical or brake problems? Was the driver in good health, or could a medical issue have made him lose control? Did something block his view of the approaching vehicles on the highway? Could bad weather or hazardous road conditions have been a factor? Is there a history of similar crashes in that area? Is signage missing or unclear there? Could the oncoming drivers have done anything differently to avoid the collision? How fast were they traveling on the highway?
I'm not trying to overcomplicate things or make accusations here. I just know from long experience that many crashes aren't as simple as they might appear in news reports and crucial details may slip through the cracks during preliminary investigations. The victim deserves the benefit of the doubt while efforts are made to confirm the whole story. Will police be thorough enough to do that, or would an independent investigation stand a better chance of getting answers for the victim's loved ones?
