UPDATE: Initial reports were that there was one person in the cab of the truck at the time of the crash. After further investigation, it was discovered that a second person was also in the cab of the truck. Next of kin notification has been made, both males were Mexican Nationals. The passenger is identified as 39-year-old Carlos Armando Reyes Hurtado. The driver is identified as 44-year-old Mario Alberto Carlon Solis. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Fatal Interstate 20 Crash Investigation
ABILENE, TX –
On Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 7:55 a.m., dispatch was called regarding a crash involving a semi tractor-trailer at mile marker 286 in the east-bound lane of Interstate 20. The caller said a semi-truck that was headed east, veered into the center median and had hit head-on, into the pillar at FM 600 on the interstate, and burst into flames.
First responders arrived to find an 18-wheeler in flames on I-20 at the FM 600 overpass. The tractor-trailer and cab were both engulfed in flames. Two people were inside the cab of the truck at the moment of impact. Neither was able to escape, and both perished in the crash.
No other vehicles appear to have been involved in this crash. The Interstate was closed due to the debris, for public safety and will remain closed until engineers with the Texas Department of Transportation can deem the bridge safe. The identities of both occupants will be made pending next of kin notification. The trailer was not carrying any dangerous chemicals. The investigation continues.
Respectfully,
Rick Tomlin
Public Information Coordinator