Waco Journal
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
No Result
View All Result

Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-35 in Hewitt Claims One Life and Injures Six Others

by Nolan Harris
January 17, 2025
in Local News
Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-35 in Hewitt Claims One Life and Injures Six Others

HEWITT, Texas – A deadly crash on Interstate 35 in Hewitt early Wednesday morning has left one person dead and six others hospitalized. The accident, which involved a semi-truck and four other vehicles, erupted in flames after the collision. Authorities have identified the deceased as 39-year-old Jennifer James of Lorena, who tragically lost her life in the fiery wreck.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sergeant Ryan Howard, the crash occurred when a truck tractor approached a construction zone at high speed, despite traffic slowing due to ongoing roadwork. “Traffic was slowed as there was a road crew doing some type of road work,” Sgt. Howard explained. “As they were doing that road work and traffic started slowing down, this truck tractor still came in at a high rate of speed, crashing into several other vehicles and truck tractors.”

The collision caused multiple vehicles to catch fire, leading to widespread devastation and the tragic loss of life. Six individuals were taken to the hospital with injuries, but DPS later confirmed that they were treated and released.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over safety protocols for roadwork and construction zones. Jake Smith, Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in Waco, assured the public that TxDOT takes extensive precautions to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. Before each project, Smith said, TxDOT crews hold safety meetings and discuss a traffic control plan designed to protect the public.

“Our crews will have safety meetings and a broad discussion about the upcoming operation to ensure their safety and that the traffic control plan that will be put in place is the safest for the traveling public,” Smith stated.

TxDOT also utilizes a variety of methods to warn drivers of upcoming work zones, including portable changeable message boards, dynamic message signs (DMS), flaggers, and standard warning signage indicating an upcoming work zone.

Despite these efforts, Smith emphasized the importance of driver awareness. “Drivers need to be aware, whether it’s daytime, nighttime, or early morning hours,” he said. “We always encourage motorists to pay attention, mind their speed, and be on the lookout.”

Sgt. Howard echoed the importance of avoiding distractions when approaching construction zones. “That’s not the time to be on your cell phone or distracted by the radio,” he said. “Eliminate those distractions, pay attention, and make sure everybody is safe on the road.”

As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, Smith reminded drivers of the state’s “move over and slow down” law, which requires motorists to either move over a lane or reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour when approaching stopped TxDOT vehicles with their lights flashing.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed whether the driver of the semi-truck will face any charges. However, DPS confirmed that the six individuals taken to the hospital following the accident have since been treated and released.

As the community processes the loss, local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and vigilance on the roads, particularly when entering work zones.

Related Posts

City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste
Local News

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

June 30, 2025

Waco, TX - As residents prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Waco is reminding the community that...

Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say
Local News

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

June 30, 2025

Waco, TX - The Waco Police Department is gearing up for its annual “Stuff the Cruiser” event, a community school...

City of Waco partners with volunteers to assist homeowners with repairs
Local News

City of Waco partners with volunteers to assist homeowners with repairs

June 27, 2025

Waco, TX — This week, the City of Waco Code Compliance officers teamed up with volunteers from United in Mission:...

Waco police sergeants complete intensive leadership training program
Local News

Waco police sergeants complete intensive leadership training program

June 27, 2025

Waco, TX — Two sergeants from the Waco Police Department have successfully completed over 150 hours of rigorous training at...

Waco Man Arrested After Violent Altercation and Arson Incident
Local News

WPD assists the department in pursuit near Baylor and confirms no threat to campus

June 27, 2025

Waco, TX — The Waco Police Department assisted the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in searching for individuals involved in...

Waco police seek public help in locating missing 72-year-old man
Local News

Waco police seek public help in locating missing 72-year-old man

June 24, 2025

Waco, TX - The Waco Police Department has issued an urgent appeal for assistance in finding 72-year-old Arlean Lucas Jr.,...

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

Read moreDetails
City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

June 30, 2025
Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

June 30, 2025
Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

June 28, 2025
4-month-old died after his mom and dad, who wanted ‘personaI time,’ would routineIy pIace the baby in a piece of furniture and seaI it with toweIs to stop her from kicking it open until she sufocated to death: DA

4-month-old died after his mom and dad, who wanted ‘personaI time,’ would routineIy pIace the baby in a piece of furniture and seaI it with toweIs to stop her from kicking it open until she sufocated to death: DA

June 28, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Waco, TX - As residents prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Waco is reminding the community that...

Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Waco, TX - The Waco Police Department is gearing up for its annual “Stuff the Cruiser” event, a community school...

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

by Nolan Harris
June 28, 2025
0

Texas - A Texas man, 18-year-old KarmeIo, was indicted earlier this week by a grand jury on a charge of...

About Us

A community needs news and Waco Journal is proud to serve 50,000 households each month through our website covering Waco and the other local counties.

Learn more

Recent Stories

  • Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat
  • City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

Categories

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
Currently Playing

© 2023 Waco Journal

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result