WOLFE CITY, TX (05/23/2016) — A two-vehicle accident on Monday morning claimed the lives of three people, and left another hospitalized.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), 34-year-old Rocio Olguin, 66-year-old Anthony Hildenbrand, and 35-year-old Francisco Rodriguez were killed, and 59-year-old Deborah Hildenbrand was injured, following a two-vehicle accident along Highway 11 in Wolfe City, Texas.
The DPS reported that at around 6:45 a.m., Francisco Rodriguez was traveling at an unsafe speed southbound on S.H. 11 in a Ford pickup truck when he lost control of his vehicle and hydroplaned into oncoming traffic.
Rodriguez collided with a Toyota SUV, driven by Anthony Hildenbrand (of Como).
Rodriguez and his passenger, Olguin, were pronounced dead at the scene. Anthony Hildenbrand was taken to Hunt Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
The second occupant of the Toyota SUV, Deborah Hildenbrand, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
This accident remains under investigation.
Commentary
Both speed and hydroplaning were cited as factors in this fatal collision. While inclement weather may have played a role in this accident, it is every driver’s responsibility to drive to conditions. Drivers have a legal duty to drive at a speed that is reasonable and safe, and this is especially important during wet weather. We offer our condolences to those affected by this tragic accident.
