HARWOOD, TX (07/11/2015) — 14-year-old Anthony Segura was killed, and several others were injured in a fatal 18-wheeler crash Saturday evening on I-10.
Authorities have confirmed that 14-year-old Anthony Segura, a student athlete from Edcouch-Elsa, was killed, and members of his family were seriously injured, on Saturday evening following a multi-vehicle car accident on Interstate 10 in Gonzales County, Texas.
Members of the Segura family (father, Simon Segura; mother, Jacqueline Segura; brothers, Adrian and Anthony Segura) were traveling home after watching Andrew Segura play 7-on-7 football matchups in College Station when the accident occurred. Andrew rode back with the team.
The Texas Highway Patrol reported that at around 5:11 p.m. DPS troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and first responders were responding to a report of a truck that had caught fire on westbound I-10 near the Harwood Road (FM 794) exit. The truck was towing an RV, which had also caught fire, and numerous butane tank explosions occurred as a result.
As traffic came to a standstill, an 18-wheeler—driven by 56-year-old Thomas Rangell—slammed into a red Buick occupied by Melvin Grones and his wife Patricia. The 18-wheeler then continued westbound and struck the Segura’s 2005 Chevrolet SUV.
The impact from the 18-wheeler forced the Seguras’ SUV into another stopped 18-wheeler driven by 54-year-old José Galvan.
Authorities stated that Anthony Segura perished in the crash, while the other members of the Segura family were airlifted to local hospitals. Both occupants of the Buick, Melvin Grones and Patricia Grones, were also transported by air ambulance (CareFlite) to a local hospital.
Adrian Segura, Anthony’s younger brother, broke both of his legs, which required surgery; he is now recovering.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Segura suffered a broken arm and rib. She is expected to be released soon. However the father, Simon Segura of Edcouch, remains unconscious and in critical condition at a San Antonio-area hospital.
Andrew Segura returned home safely. He is currently in San Antonio alongside his parents and brother.
This fatal crash remains under investigation.
Commentary
I cannot even begin to express my sympathy toward all those affected by this tragic accident. My thoughts are with the victims at this time, and I hope authorities are able to clearly determine the causal factors of this accident through an exhaustive investigation. While an investigation won’t reverse any of the damage done, it could lead to criminal charges and civil claims against the responsible party.
