Multi-vehicle fatality crash on U.S.70
A three vehicle collision occurred at approximately 11:14 a.m., May 9, on U.S. Highway 287, four miles southeast of Vernon, that claimed the life of an Amrillo man and injured three others.
Pronounced dead at the scene was Frankie Hernandez, 25, of Amarillo. Monte Ray Moe, 61, of Raymond, South Dakota, Jasmin Jarnal Athwal, 19, or Oklaunion, and Jazpreet Jarnal Athwal, 17, of Oklaunion, were all transferred by ambulance to Wilbarger General Hospital with non-incapaciting injuries according to the Department of Public Safety press release. An 11-year-old male of Oklaunion was transported to United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls with non-incapacitating injuries.
According to the information released by DPS, “Preliminary investigation revealed that Vehicle 1 was traveling east on US 70 in the right-hand lane. Vehicle 1 was following Vehicle 2, which was towing a semi-trailer attempting to turn right onto County Road 109 (CR 109) south. As Vehicle 2 began to turn, Vehicle 1’s driver failed to control the speed of Vehicle 1 striking the towed trailer of Vehicle 2. Vehicle 3 was at the intersection on CR 109 waiting to turn right (west) onto US 70. After Vehicle 1 struck the towed trailer of Vehicle 2, Vehicle 2 struck Vehicle 3 coming to rest on top of the driver side. Driver 1 died on the scene of this crash.”
Number of Vehicles in Crash: 3 Number Injured: 4 Number killed: 1
Date & Time: 06/09/2023, 11:14 A.M.
County: Wilbarger
Location: U.S. Highway 70 (US 70), mile marker 476 – 4 miles southeast of Vernon
Posted Speed Limit: 75
Vehicle 1: 2021 Isuzu truck
Vehicle 2: 2007 Kenworth T800 truck tractor – towing 1998 Wilson Semi-trailer
Vehicle 3: 2013 BMW 4D passenger car
Driver Vehicle 1: DECEASED
Hernandez, Frankie, 25 years of age, male of Amarillo, Texas
Seatbelt: Yes
Death Information: Pronounced dead on scene on 6/9/23, at 11:35 A.M. by Justice of the Peace Charles E. Morton
Driver Vehicle 2:
Moe, Monte Ray, 61 years of age, male of Raymond, South Dakota
Seatbelt: Unknown
Injury Information: Transferred to Wilbarger General, stable – non-incapacitating
Driver Vehicle 3:
Athwal, Jasmin Jarnal, 19 years of age, female of Oklaunion, Texas
Seatbelt: Yes
Injury Information: Transferred to Wilbarger General, stable – non-incapacitating injury
Passenger Vehicle 3:
Athwal, Jazpreet Jarnal, 17 years of age, female of Oklaunion, Texas
Seatbelt: Yes
Injury Information: Transferred to Wilbarger General, stable – non-incapacitating injury
Passenger Vehicle 3:
11- years of age, male of Oklaunion, Texas
Seatbelt: Yes
Injury Information: Transferred to United Regional Health Care System, stable – non-incapacitating injury
Description: Preliminary investigation revealed that Vehicle 1 was traveling east on US 70 in the right-hand lane. Vehicle 1 was following Vehicle 2, which was towing a semi-trailer attempting to turn right onto County Road 109 (CR 109) south. As Vehicle 2 began to turn, Vehicle 1’s driver failed to control the speed of Vehicle 1 striking the towed trailer of Vehicle 2. Vehicle 3 was at the intersection on CR 109 waiting to turn right (west) onto US 70. After Vehicle 1 struck the towed trailer of Vehicle 2, Vehicle 2 struck Vehicle 3 coming to rest on top of the driver side. Driver 1 died on the scene of this crash.
Weather Condition: Clear
Road Conditions: Dry
Investigated by: Trooper Jalan M. Sandoval, Texas Highway Patrol – Vernon