September 4, 2014 - NORTH OF BARNHART, TEXAS -Two drivers were killed and one passenger was flown to a hospital Thursday morning in a collision north of Barnhart on State Highway 163, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Shawn Baxter said. DPS identified the drivers as Gary Wayne Maher, 56, of San Angelo, and Kelly James Yates, 43, of Tilden. Yates, was driving a Peterbilt semi-truck pulling a flatbed trailer and attempted to make a U-turn and hit another semi-truck that was traveling north, hauling a tank carrying crude oil.
Chris Yates, Kelly James Yates’ wife was in the semi-truck with him and was flown to Shannon Medical Center with burns. A Shannon house supervisor said Chris Yates was in stable condition Thursday night.
The crash was reported about 10:50 a.m. Thursday just north of the intersection of State Highway 163 and Ranch-to-Market Road 2469. The Sterling and Irion county sheriff’s offices and DPS troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement are investigating the crash. DPS Cpl. Carlos Diaz and Trooper Robert Aldrete are the lead investigators.
Reagan County, Crockett, Irion and Sterling county volunteer fire departments responded to the fire.
Big Rigs or Semi’s are moving tons of steel and deadly just by their huge size and weight. They have to be aware of other drivers around them and especially of changes in the driving conditions that can change or affect the handling or control of these machines. Stopping distances change, the slide or jackknife among many many variables. And drivers become fatigued quicker. This includes safe driving distances to assure a safe turn as to not impede oncoming traffic or cause a collision.
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.