UPDATE (February 4, 2025): Additional updates have been published in the news which give more details concerning this accident. Firstly, the man who lost his life as a result of this wreck has been identified as 44-year-old Francisco Medillin. Secondly, authorities state that, according to video surveillance which recorded the crash, it was apparently a black SUV that was the catalyst for the crash, not the 18-wheeler. However, authorities have released footage of the 18-wheeler believed to have been involved, as it is still wanted for its role in the accident. The investigation remains ongoing.
UPDATE (February 3, 2025): Recent reports have been released which clarify a couple of details pertaining to this incident. According to these reports, at least six vehicles were involved in the incident in addition to the hit-and-run 18-wheeler, rather than the previously reported four. These reports also state that the vehicles which were hit were waiting at a stop light when they were struck by the commercial vehicle. The lone fatality—a 44-year-old man—was an occupant of a Chevrolet Cavalier. One person—a woman—suffered critical injuries, as well, and was transported by EMS for treatment. The final injury was that of a 9-year-old boy who was also taken for treatment. No additional information is currently available. Investigations continue.
Houston, TX — January 30, 2025, one person was killed and three were injured in a hit-and-run truck accident at around 7:00 p.m. on South Sam Houston Parkway.
According to authorities, the accident took place on South Sam Houston Parkway in the vicinity of the Sabo Road intersection.

The accident apparently involved four motor vehicles and a flatbed 18-wheeler. Preliminary investigations state that the 18-wheeler may have struck the four other motor vehicles before allegedly fleeing, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victims.
One man reportedly suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident and was declared deceased at the scene. A woman, a 7-year-old child, and one other person suffered injuries of varying degrees of severity, as well; they were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Anytime an 18-wheeler is involved in a hit-and-run, the first question that comes to mind is why the driver left the scene. In my experience handling truck accident cases, drivers don’t flee unless they believe they have something to hide. That could be anything from distraction and fatigue to more serious concerns like impaired driving or an expired commercial license.
One of the most frustrating misconceptions about hit-and-run crashes is the belief that the truck may never be found. That’s simply not true. Unlike a small passenger car, a commercial truck isn’t easy to make disappear. Trucks are covered in identifying information, from DOT numbers and company logos to license plates and GPS tracking devices. Even if none of those lead directly to the driver, the truck’s maintenance records, weigh station logs, and onboard telematics can provide a trail that investigators can follow. I’ve seen cases where a truck was located within hours simply by tracking its company’s dispatch records.
Beyond locating the truck, investigators should focus on what led to the crash in the first place. Did the truck driver lose control due to distraction, fatigue, or reckless driving? Was the trucking company enforcing unrealistic delivery schedules that pressured the driver into risky behavior? Reviewing dashcam footage, electronic logging device (ELD) records, and company policies can help determine whether this was an isolated mistake or part of a larger pattern of negligence.
Another important factor is whether the driver was aware of the crash. Some truckers claim they didn’t realize they were involved in an accident, but that explanation becomes harder to believe when multiple vehicles are struck, and people are injured or killed. If the driver knew what happened and still chose to leave, investigators should consider whether they were attempting to avoid consequences such as a drug or alcohol test.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.