A 32-year-old woman was killed Wednesday morning in a head-on collision with a semi-truck on Farm-to-Market Road 1053 in Crane County, Texas.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred around 10:20 a.m. when a northbound 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, towing a trailer, suffered a blowout on its front left tire. The tire failure caused the semi-truck to veer into the southbound lane, where it collided head-on with a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the Jetta, Susan Marie Komanetsky of Arlington, died at the scene. The semi-truck caught fire following the impact. The truck driver survived the crash. At this time, the incident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
When I hear about a fatal crash caused by a tire blowout on a semi-truck, I immediately think about what led to that failure, whether it was a maintenance issue, an installation problem, or something deeper, like a product defect. In my experience, these types of blowouts sometimes point to weaknesses in the tire’s design or manufacturing process. A thorough investigation is the only way to understand what caused the tire to fail.
Could a Defective Tire Have Caused the Blowout?
Commercial truck tires are engineered to handle heavy loads and demanding highway conditions. When one of these tires fails unexpectedly—especially on a steer axle where control of the vehicle is critical—it raises serious questions about product integrity. Investigators will need to examine whether the tire failure resulted from manufacturing defects, poor materials, or faulty design.
If the tire had been properly installed, inspected, and maintained, yet still suffered a catastrophic failure, that could indicate a defect that goes beyond routine maintenance issues. Identifying whether the tire was part of a defective batch or subject to previous recalls is a key part of the investigation.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
In tire-related crash investigations, preserving the failed tire and wheel assembly is essential. The tire’s make, model, DOT identification number, and production date should be documented immediately to allow for a full forensic analysis. This can help determine whether the failure was due to product issues such as tread separation, sidewall failure, or bead damage.
Investigators should also review the semi-truck’s maintenance and inspection records, along with recent service history related to the tire. Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the truck can provide insight into speed, braking, and throttle position at the time of the tire failure, offering a clearer picture of the sequence of events.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is So Important
When a tire failure on a commercial truck results in a fatal crash, the most important question is why the tire failed. If a defect in the tire or its components played a role, identifying that issue is not only key to understanding this crash, but also providing answers to those affected. A complete investigation into the tire’s origin, condition, and performance is the only way to ensure that the right parties are held accountable.