DUMAS, TX – Five people were killed and two others seriously injured in fatal semi truck accident in Dumas, TX on August 12, 2013. Dumas is located in Moore County, Texas in the northern (panhandle) part of the state about 47 miles north of Amarillo.
All of the deceased victims and another who was seriously injured were cast members of the “Texas” musical, performed at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon State Park just south of Amarillo.
Six cast members had just left a cast party at Coldwater Ranch in Gruver, TX, about 35.3 miles northeast of the accident site. Authorities believe alcohol may have been a factor.
The accident happened at the intersection of Farm to market 119 and U.S. Highway 287 at 11:30 p.m. Monday evening, August 12, 2013.
According to the Texas Dept of Public Safety, a Ford Taurus with six people inside was traveling west on FM 119 and ran a stop sign while making a left turn onto U.S. 287 south. The car pulled into the path of a southbound tractor trailer that was unable to avoid the collision.
The 18 wheeler struck the Ford, killing the driver and 4 out of the 5 passengers. The driver was identified as 20 year-old Clinton Diaz from Amarillo.
The other victims were identified as 21 year-old Eric Harrison from Fort Worth, TX, 20 year-old Amanda Starz from Timonium, MD, 24 year-old Julian Arredondo IV from Haltom City, TX and 20 year-old Andrew Duncan from Wichita Falls, TX.
The only surivor from the Ford Taurus was 30 year-old passenger, Timothy Johnson from Portland, OR. Johnson was reported to be critical condition and was flown by helicopter to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo.
The semi truck driver was also injured. He was identified as 70 year-old Theron Arthur McSay from Fort Collins, CO. McSay was also taken to Northwest Texas Hospital with serious injuries. McSay was driving a Peterbilt semi truck with a trailer carrying water dispensers.
The 18 wheeler struck the passenger side of the car and the force of the collision caused the loaded semi trailer to topple over on top of the car.
The accident is currently under investigation.
Truck Accident Lawyer News is a truck accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date truck accidents and truck legal news from across the United States. For more questions & detailed information about Texas trucking laws, truck injury causes and victims rights, contact Texas truck accident attorneys, Gordon, Elias & Seely LLP.