Brandenburg, KY — January 18, 2025, a 12-year-old boy was killed and Kevin Owens was injured in a truck accident at about 12:15 p.m. on Kentucky Route 313/Brandenburg Bypass.
Authorities said a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche was turning left onto the River Ridge Plaza shopping center when it was hit by a 2024 Freightliner dump truck.
A 12-year-old boy who was a passenger in the pickup died at an Indiana hospital, while his father, 42-year-old Kevin Owens, was hospitalized with unspecified injuries, according to authorities.
The dump truck driver was not injured, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Meade County crash at time point.
The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
This collision on Kentucky Route 313 involving a dump truck and a Chevrolet Avalanche raises significant questions about the actions of the dump truck driver and whether more could have been done to avoid the crash. With a loss of life and injuries reported, understanding the factors that contributed to the collision is essential.
A primary focus of the investigation will likely be the speed and attentiveness of the dump truck driver. Large vehicles like dump trucks require longer stopping distances and greater caution, particularly in areas with frequent turning traffic. Investigators will need to examine whether the driver was traveling at a safe speed and whether they had enough time to notice the turning vehicle and take evasive action. Evidence such as the truck’s engine control module (ECM) data and any available dashcam footage will be crucial in determining the truck’s behavior before the crash.
The design of the roadway near the shopping center entrance also warrants scrutiny. Was the intersection clearly marked, and were there signs to alert drivers to potential turning vehicles? Areas near commercial developments often see increased traffic volumes, and poorly designed or inadequately maintained intersections can exacerbate risks for all road users.
The ability of a dump truck to react to sudden changes is also tied to its mechanical condition. Investigators will need to confirm that the truck’s brakes and other critical systems were functioning properly at the time of the crash.
For the injured driver and the family of the young boy who died, finding answers about the cause of this collision is essential. A thorough investigation will help clarify whether the truck driver’s actions, vehicle condition or road design contributed to the crash and may guide efforts to reduce risks in similar settings in the future.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us