Lockhart Students Killed by Tractor Trailer
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck-related highway fatalities totaled 4,229 in 2008. FMCSA reports that in 2008, 14,086 large trucks and 1,314 buses were involved in non-fatal crashes. The dangerousness of these vehicles cannot be overstated. The impact on the families of those injured or killed is far reaching and long lasting. Tragically, in Lockhart, Texas, another terrible accident that will forever change some peoples lives happened when two cousins were killed when they were involved in an accident with a jackknifed 18-wheeler.
According to The Blotter:
A three-vehicle crash on Texas 21 near U.S. 183 on Wednesday night killed two Lockhart High School girls and injured a third, Mustang Ridge police and Department of Public Safety officials said today. Cousins Bernice Castelan, 17, of Lockhart, and Zared Castelan, 16, of Dale, died when an 18-wheeler jackknifed and struck their car and another van about 6:45 p.m., Mustang Ridge Police Sgt. J. Bennett said Friday. Bernice’s sister Deimie Castelan, 17, of Lockhart, remained in critical condition Friday at University Medical Center Brackenridge, Bennett said. The driver of the Volvo tractor trailer, Francisco Ponce, 42 of Laredo, was treated for minor injuries at Brackenridge and released. Patty Patrick, 56, of Cibolo, the driver of the van, was treated for injuries and released, Bennett said. Bennett said wet conditions might have been aided in the crash. No charges have been filed, he said. An accident reconstruction team from the Department of Public Safety is assisting Bennett in the investigation, he said. Counselors were available at the school today for grief counseling, a school official said.
According to the Lockhart Post Register:
Two Lockhart High School students were killed on Wednesday evening and a third was critically injured in a three-vehicle accident in rural Caldwell County. According to information released on Friday by the Mustang Ridge Police Department, Berenice, Zaret and Deimie Castellan, all three students of Lockhart High, were traveling eastbound on Highway 21 near the intersection of FM 1854 when their vehicle, a 2000 Mazda 626 was struck by an oncoming semi truck, which had lost control on the wet road. Two of the girls, Berenice, 17, and Zaret, 15, died at the scene. Deimie was transported to Brackenridge Hospital in critical condition. As of Friday, sources in touch with the Castellan family said Deimie’s condition was thought to be improving. In addition to striking the Castellan vehicle, the truck also struck an eastbound van driven by Patty Patrick, 56, of Cibolo. Patrick was also taken to Brackenridge in fair condition. The driver of the truck, 42-year-old Francisco Ponce, of Laredo, was treated for minor injuries. The Mustang Ridge Police Department reported on Friday morning that the incident is still under investigation by both that agency and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Although charges had not been filed on Friday morning, charges are pending. Services for Berenice and Zaret Castellan, cousins, will be held next week. According to McCurdy Funeral Home, who is handling services for the girls, a visitation with the family will be held on Monday evening, Nov. 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Lockhart High School Gymnasium, with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral services for the girls will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, 9110 Highway 183 South, Austin, Texas 78747.
If someone you know was injured or killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident, big rig accident or tractor-trailer accident, encourage them to immediately contact a competent attorney for advice. It is extremely important to do this quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, statements are taken, and the rights of all claimants are protected.
