LAREDO, TX (02/07/2017) — Four people lost their lives in a three-vehicle wreck which occurred on Highway 359 Tuesday morning.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has identified the victims of the 18-wheeler crash, which occurred about seven miles east of Laredo, Texas, as 74-year-old Maximo Cremar Jr. (of San Antonio); 66-year-old Oralia Morin Cremar (of San Antonio); 93-year-old Maria Buentello Cremar (of Hebbronville); and 46-year-old Norberto Torres Sanchez (of Laredo).
The initial investigation report states that at around 7:00 a.m., the 46-year-old male driver of an eastbound Freightliner 18-wheeler rear-ended a 2013 Chevrolet pickup truck—driven by Torres—which was attempting to turn left into a driveway near Botello Road. As a result of the initial collision, the truck moved into the westbound lane of the highway where it was struck by a gold-colored 2007 Chevrolet passenger vehicle, occupied by members of the Cremar family.
“The driver of the truck tractor collided into the back of the pickup that was turning northbound on a driveway. The truck went into the westbound lane and was struck by the Chevrolet passenger car on its passenger side,” said DPS Sgt. Conrad J. Hein in a statement.
All four occupants of the two passenger vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was taken to Laredo Medical Center for treatment.
A DPS investigation is currently underway.
Commentary
As the investigation continues, we can only speculate as to what factors may have led to this collision. However, we do suspect that the investigation could lead to serious criminal charges and several civil claims brought by the families of the victims.
To all of those affected by this tragic accident, we offer our condolences. We will provide further updates as they become available.
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