A New Jersey truck driver lost his life, and another truck driver was seriously injured in a semi-truck crash on westbound I-70 in Ellsworth County, Kansas. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. when a 2018 Hino box truck drifted off the road, entered the north ditch, and overturned onto its side, blocking both westbound lanes.
A 2021 Freightliner semi-truck, which came upon the overturned Hino a minute later, was unable to avoid the collision for unknown reasons and struck the undercarriage of the box truck. The impact caused both trucks to spin before coming to rest in the north ditch.
The Hino’s driver, 58-year-old David Bridgeforth, died at the scene, while the Freightliner’s driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Whenever I hear about a semi-truck overturning in an active traffic lane, I think about whether the truck experienced a mechanical failure. Given that another semi-truck struck the overturned vehicle a minute later, investigators will also need to determine whether the second driver was distracted, fatigued,
Did the Hino Have a Mechanical Issue?
One of the key questions in this crash is whether the Hino experienced a mechanical issue or malfunction. Investigators should review ECM data, driver statements, and physical evidence to determine whether the truck experienced a mechanical failure.
Was the Freightliner Following Too Closely?
Since the Freightliner driver didn’t crash immediately after the Hino, investigators should consider whether fatigue or distraction played a role in the second collision. Reviewing in-cab footage, cell phone records, and driver logbooks could help determine whether distraction or exhaustion impaired the driver’s ability to react in time.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand this crash, investigators should analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data from both trucks to determine speed, braking activity, and any attempted maneuvers before impact. Additionally, reviewing dashcam footage, surveillance videos from nearby highway cameras, and tire skid marks could provide valuable insight into the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Why These Questions Matter
There are a lot of details about this incident that are unclear. Understanding whether a mechanical failure, distraction, or another factor contributed to this crash is crucial in determining accountability. In my experience, investigations like these often reveal critical details that aren’t immediately obvious but are essential for understanding the full scope of the crash.