A fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler took the life of 41-year-old Josette Blasdel of Leesville, Louisiana, on Monday afternoon in Burkeville. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the tractor-trailer was traveling on State Highway 63 around 4 p.m. when a rear tire reportedly blew out, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree. Blasdel was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation.
When a tire failure leads to a fatal crash, it raises serious questions about whether the equipment was safe and functioning properly.
Could a Product Defect Be to Blame for the Blowout?
One potential factor investigators must examine is whether the blown tire was defective. Tire manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products meet safety standards under normal operating conditions. If the tire failed due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or improper labeling, the company responsible may bear some liability. Investigators should also look at whether the tire was subject to a recall or if similar failures have occurred with that model in the past.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
Key pieces of evidence in crashes like this include the damaged tire itself, vehicle maintenance records, and data from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM). Investigators will likely examine whether the tire was properly inflated, how much wear it had, and whether the truck was overloaded or otherwise placed under unusual stress. Photographs from the scene, physical debris, and any eyewitness accounts can also provide insight into whether the blowout was a sudden and unforeseeable event or the result of mechanical neglect.
Why It’s Important to Uncover What Caused the Crash
There are still many questions surrounding the failure of this semi’s tire. Only a thorough investigation can help determine whether this failure was caused by improper installation, a manufacturing defect, or something else. In my experience, these cases often hinge on details that aren’t immediately obvious from the scene but are uncovered through careful, technical review.