Traffic came to a daylong standstill on Highway 79 following a five-vehicle accident that took one life on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 around 6:15 a.m.
A press release from DPS Sgt. Ryan Howard explains that a Peterbilt 18-wheeler attempted to pass a Volkswagen Jetta while heading south on Highway 79 near FM-325, but instead crashed into the vehicle while passing.
Both vehicles left the roadway, but the trailer of the Peterbilt was still in the southbound lane.
A Freightliner 18-wheeler then crashed into the trailer, and jackknifed into the northbound lane.
Sadly, a pedestrian, Rene Ochoa Jr., 23, of Palestine, who was helping the drivers of the first two vehicles was struck by the Freightliner’s trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the truck’s jackknifing was a Jaguar that was traveling northbound and a Chrysler 300 traveling southbound that both crashed into the trailer.
This accident involved five vehicles and six people. It required the use of three helicopters and four ambulances to treat two critically injured and three possibly injured.
Among those responding were Butler VFD, Oakwood VFD, Buffalo VFD, Fairfield EMS, Jewett EMS, and DPS Troopers.
Highway 79 was shut down the remained of the day, with traffic diverted at the Highway 84 and Highway 79 split.
Sgt. Howard reminds drivers, “When passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, ensure you can safely pass. This includes giving yourself time to get back in your correct lane before oncoming traffic arrives. When in doubt, do not pass.”
(Submitted Photos)
