Michael Wayne Moore perished when his vehicle was crushed between two 18-wheelers. The man involved in a fatal crash Monday afternoon when crushed between to 18 wheeler's was identified as 69-year-old Michael Wayne Moore of Goliad. Moore died at the scene of the crash that occurred at 1:15 p.m. Monday on U.S. 77. Sgt. Ruben San Miguel, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said all seven vehicles involved in the crash were headed south on U.S. 77 about 4.3 miles southwest of Victoria. Gilbert Menchaca, 23, of Somerset, was driving a 1996 Peterbilt towing a 1999 gravel hauler in the left lane and began slowing down because of construction ahead. Ronnie Cavazos, 45 of Victoria, was driving a 2007 Freightliner hauling a mobile home and was in the right lane. Cavazos was slowing down to pass Menchaca.
The 2007 Ford F-250 pickup driven by Moore was in the left lane behind Menchaca, who was slowing down.
John Wesley Allen, 57 of San Antonio, driving a 2004 Peterbilt towing a 2019 gravel truck trailer, struck the pickup in the rear, causing Moore’s vehicle to be crushed between Allen’s vehicle and Menchaca’s 1996 Peterbilt. Allen then traveled across the right lane and off the roadway onto the grassy embankment where he ended up on the left lane of the frontage road connecting to Farm-to-Market Road 236. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Stewart Posey, San Miguel said. Allen was taken to DeTar on Navarro after the crash and was released the same day with injuries that were not life-threatening.
The cause of the crash was Allen’s failure to control speed and DPS is still investigating, San Miguel said. No citations have been issued as of Tuesday morning.
Several fatalities have occurred along that stretch of the highway – from Main Street, or U.S. 87, to FM 236 – over the years. State data showed at least four fatal wrecks have occurred in that area, specifically on the Guadalupe River Bridge, from 2008 to January 2016.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle, truck, semi, or big rig accident the office of Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. is experience in investigating these devastating types of accidents and can help provide answers. Call someone who knows and can protect your rights. Usually in these types of accidents the trucking companies have begun preparing for a defense of a claim within hours of the accident. Call us toll free 1-866-408-0940 for a free consultation.