Fatality accident on U.S. 70

A fatality accident was reported on U.S. 70 in Wilbarger County between Lockett and Thalia on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. The deceased identity has not been verified as of midday Thursday, according to law enforcement on scene. The highway was still closed as of midday Thursday, TxDOT personnel were clearing the roadway and working to make it usable due to fire damage of the pavement

The accident occurred at around 8:10 a.m. Thursday, on a curve west of the Cowboy Church. Witnesses reported an eastbound pickup drifted across the center line on the curve and struck, head-on, a westbound semi, hauling a milk trailer. Officers say the pickup driver was killed instantly. The engine of the truck rolled down the highway an additional 100 yards from the initial impact. The vehicles caught fire, and the truck was fully engulfed when emergency personnel arrived, according to Wilbarger County Sheriff Office’s Chief Deputy Clinton Nava.

A fatality accident was reported on U.S. 70 west of Lockett on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.
Daniel Walker/Vernon Record

A fatality accident was reported on U.S. 70 west of Lockett on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.
Daniel Walker/Vernon Record