Late Thursday night, 43-year-old Hector Salvador Serna of Willow Lake was killed in a crash involving a semi-truck approximately 14 miles east of Fort Thompson, South Dakota. According to preliminary reports from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, a 2015 Peterbilt hauling hay bales allegedly lost part of its load after a strap reportedly failed. As the driver attempted to turn around to retrieve the fallen bales, the trailer became stuck in a ditch. Serna’s 2022 Toyota Prius then collided with the immobilized trailer, resulting in fatal injuries. The semi-truck driver was not inside the cab at the time and was uninjured. The crash remains under investigation.
Although the truck driver had reportedly exited the cab, the question remains whether the stopped trailer was visible or adequately marked. These are the types of details that will need to be examined carefully in the investigation.
Could Improper Load Securement Have Played a Role?
Any time cargo falls from a commercial truck, investigators need to examine whether it was properly secured. Tie-downs and straps are expected to handle the weight and motion of a full load, even more so with bulky cargo like hay bales. If a strap failed, as reported, questions arise about whether the equipment was adequate for the job or showed signs of wear that should have been addressed earlier.
Was the Immobilized Trailer Properly Marked?
Even if the load loss was unintentional, the moment the truck became disabled in or near a traffic lane, it became a serious hazard. Investigators will likely examine whether the driver deployed hazard flashers, warning triangles, or flares to alert other motorists. Visibility is a particular concern on rural highways at night, and failing to mark a stopped trailer adequately can make it all but invisible to an approaching driver.
Key Evidence That Should Be Reviewed
To understand what went wrong, it will be important to examine ECM data from the semi-truck, which may confirm when and how the vehicle came to a stop. Investigators should also look into whether the truck’s lights were functioning, whether required safety equipment was used, and whether the fallen cargo obstructed the roadway. Dashcam or surveillance footage, if available, could also help clarify the timeline and visibility conditions. Witness statements may be valuable in determining whether adequate safety measures were taken after the trailer became stuck.
Why Every Detail Deserves Careful Examination
When a person dies in a crash like this, it’s important to understand every factor that may have played a role. Even though the semi-truck was reportedly parked, its presence on the road, and how well that hazard was marked, may have contributed to the outcome. A complete investigation is necessary to determine whether all safety protocols were followed and to provide answers for those affected by this crash.