One person was killed, and another was hospitalized with severe burns after a fiery two-vehicle crash in North Richland Hills on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
According to preliminary information, the fatal two-vehicle collision occurred around 7:00 a.m. in a westbound express lane near 820 and Meadow Lakes, close to the Iron Horse Golf Club.
Initial reports show the accident involved a fuel tanker and a garbage truck.
Police initially stated that only one driver had been injured but later confirmed that a second driver had died at the scene. The hospitalized driver remained in critical condition in intensive care on Thursday, according to police.
Several lanes of traffic on Loop 820 in North Richland Hills were closed for a large portion of the day while the investigation and cleanup took place.
Earlier in the day, all lanes of westbound Loop 820 through North Richland Hills were closed but were reopened by 9 a.m. However, while crews worked to clear the scene, both directions of the express lanes remained blocked.
The eastbound express lanes were reopened by 11:30 a.m., but the westbound express lane was expected to remain closed for the rest of the day. The tanker truck that was involved in the accident was reportedly transporting 3,000 gallons of diesel.
One of the vehicles involved in the collision emitted a lot of smoke and flames. Crews had to let the truck’s fuel burn off in the express lane, but the regular lanes of traffic were reopened.
An investigation is currently underway.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Statistics
The number of people killed or seriously injured in car accidents in the United States has risen steadily in recent years. According to the National Safety Council, over 38,000 people lost their lives in car accidents in the United States in 2010. (NSC).
In Texas, automobile accidents are to blame for the vast majority of fatalities and serious injuries. Every hour and twenty-one minutes, a person loses their life in a car accident in Texas, and every minute and four seconds, another person is injured.
Texas had a highway death rate of 1.50 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled this year on its roads. Over the 1.26 from the previous year, this represents an 18.94% increase in value.
Traffic fatalities are on the rise in Texas. In 2020, there were 7.54 percent more deaths than in 2019, when 3,623 people died.
More than 14,000 Texans were killed or severely injured as a result of car accidents in 2020.
Tarrant County Car Accident Lawyer for Victims of Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash
About 4.5 million Americans are injured or killed in car accidents each year. Families who have lost a loved one in a car accident can find it difficult to deal with their grief.
After a tragic accident, an experienced attorney can help you better understand your legal options. To avoid being taken advantage of by insurance companies, car accident victims need to know their legal rights and compensation.
Your attorney can help you pursue compensation in the event that you’re in a situation like this.
Our Tarrant County car accident lawyers at Arash Law Texas are knowledgeable and trustworthy. In order to provide our clients with the best possible legal representation, our attorneys are prepared to take on any case. Hire a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. Call (888) 398-4017 or fill out our intake form to speak with a member of our legal team at no cost.