Francisco Sanchez Sustaita, Rocio Rodriguez Hernandez Killed, John Christopherson, John Poore, Rodney Cary Injured in Truck Accident on U.S. 287 in Wichita County, TX
UPDATE (May 17, 2023): Authorities identified victims involved in the wreck and clarified details surrounding the fatal crash.
According to recent statements, the events began after a Chevy Tahoe somehow crashed and became disabled in the left travel lane of northbound U.S. 287. The Tahoe apparently did not have lights on after coming to a stop in the roadway. In the Tahoe were 45-year-old Francisco Sanchez Sustaita and 43-year-old Rocio Rodriguez Hernandez.
While the Tahoe was disabled, 24-year-old John Michael Christopherson, who was in a Chevy Suburban, pulled over on the right shoulder to help out the stranded pair. According to statements from authorities, an approaching semi-truck moved into the left lane to give space to the Suburban on the shoulder. As a result, the semi-truck crashed into the reportedly unlit, disabled Tahoe, then veered into the Suburban.
Due to the collision, Sanchez Sustaita and Rodriguez Hernandez both succumbed to fatal injuries. Christopherson was taken to a hospital with injuries described as incapacitating. Two people in the tractor-trailer also reportedly had incapacitating injuries. They were a passenger, 59-year-old John Evan Poore, and the driver, 68-year-old Rodney Mitchell Cary.
Currently, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fatal crash.
Wichita County, TX — May 14, 2023, two people were fatally injured as the result of a multi-truck accident at 2:15 a.m. along U.S. Highway 287.
Preliminary information about the crash given by the Texas Department of Public Safety indicates that the incident occurred between the intersections of F.M. 369 and Rifle Range Road along westbound lanes of U.S. 287.
It appears that the crash involved at least three commercial trucks. At least one other vehicle was involved, as well. Right now, the exact cause of the multi-vehicle accident is unclear. However, more recent reports quote the Wichita County Sheriff, David Duke. Sheriff Duke said to the media that he believes the two fatalities were the result of Good Samaritans stopping at an accident scene.
The exact circumstances regarding this explanation aren't entirely clear right now. Authorities did not identify any victims, clarify details regarding the crash or whether there were multiple, coincidental crashes, nor whether or not anyone is being investigated for potential wrongdoing. Additional details are pending further investigations.
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