Truck Driver Dies in Rollover Crash, Marking Port Arthur’s Fourth Traffic Fatality in a Week
Tragedy struck Port Arthur again as a truck driver succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating rollover crash. This incident marks the city’s fourth traffic fatality within one week and the second on Highway 73 near West Port Arthur Road.
The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Grady Stevens, as confirmed by Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III in an exclusive report to KFDM. The collision occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday when an 18-wheeler collided with a passenger vehicle, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The impact force caused the large truck to overturn, trapping Stevens inside the wreckage.
Heroic firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, employing the jaws of life to pull Stevens from the twisted metal. A medical helicopter then swiftly airlifted him to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont for urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Stevens tragically succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. We don’t know the specifics of his injuries now, but Tom Gillman III has authorized an autopsy.
The driver of the passenger vehicle involved in the collision was rushed to a nearby hospital via ambulance. We are also awaiting updates on the driver’s condition.
Alarmingly, this recent incident took place in close proximity to another fatal crash that occurred just days prior. Late Monday night, at the same location, an 18-wheeler and a car were involved in a tragic collision resulting in two fatalities. Although the truck driver escaped unscathed, two adults in the car lost their lives, while three others were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries.
In that earlier incident, a family from Cuba had just arrived at a Houston airport and were traveling to Port Arthur to visit relatives. Tragically, their Dodge Charger was struck from behind by the large truck, with police attributing excessive speed on the part of the big rig as a contributing factor. Authorities are actively investigating this devastating crash to get all the details and figure out the events that led up to the crash.
The personal injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys extend our sympathies and condolences as Port Arthur mourns yet another loss of life due to these devastating traffic accidents. The community is left grieving and with a reminder always to stay alert on major roadways and practice safe driving.
