UPDATE 11/17/2017: Relatives of Sasha Whitaker told the Herald-Banner on Tuesday they had been notified by the Texas Department of Public Safety that Whitaker had also been killed in this multi-vehicle accident. The story below has been updated to reflect this new information.
ROYSE CITY, TX (11/14/2016) — An 18-wheeler accident on Monday afternoon claimed the life of Janice Huffman, Sasha Whitaker, and injured at least four others.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified 64-year-old Janice Huffman (of Fort Worth) as one of the victims from a multi-vehicle accident that occurred on Interstate 30 in Hunt County, Texas. Family members identified 25-year-old Sasha Whitaker (of Mount Vernon and Dallas) as the second fatal victim of this tragic accident.
The DPS reported that shortly before 3:30 p.m., the driver of a 2007 Volvo 18-wheeler truck failed to slow down in time as he or she approached a line of vehicles in traffic. The semi-truck struck a Lexus sport utility vehicle, a Nissan Frontier, and a second 18-wheeler truck which then struck a Chevrolet Equinox. As a result of the accident, one the vehicles caught fire.
Huffman, who was driving the Lexus SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene.
DPS Sgt. Kyle Bradford stated that one person (believed to be Whitaker) was flown to Plano Medical Center with unknown injuries. Three others were taken by ambulance to Hunt Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
An investigation is underway.
Commentary
Details are limited at this time, but considering the damage this wreck caused, this driver is likely to face criminal charges (perhaps multiple charges) for this this incident. Additionally, those injured and killed as a result may have valid civil claims against the driver. If you have additional information regarding this tragic accident, please leave a comment below.
