A catastrophic accident on Saturday, April 27 resulted in two fatalities and left another individual critically injured when an oversized load detached from an 18-wheeler and crushed a vehicle beneath it at the intersection of Highway 36 and 317. The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m., about 90 minutes north of Austin, Texas.
According to officials from Temple Fire & Rescue, the load, a distillation column used in oil and gas refining weighing around 175 tons (350,000 pounds), fell from a 217-foot flatbed truck onto a vehicle carrying three individuals. The Temple Police Department confirmed that 22-year-old Abigail Boatwright and 17-year-old Evan Boatwright, both from Gatesville, Texas, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, whose name has not yet been released, was extracted after a challenging four-hour operation by emergency medical services. He was subsequently airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Health in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
The road where the accident occurred has remained closed as the investigation into the cause of the crash continues. The authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477, where anonymous tips are accepted.
This accident highlights the inherent risks associated with transporting oversized loads, which require specialized training for drivers and often escort vehicles to navigate highways safely.
Temple Police Department spokesperson noted, “The investigation into this accident is ongoing, and we are examining all factors, including the mechanical stability of the equipment and the securement of the load.”
Local residents and commuters have been advised to expect ongoing traffic disruptions and detours as cleanup operations continue into the week.
