Texas Concrete Truck Driver Says He Consumed Cocaine Before Fatal School Bus Crash
Last week, a tragic accident occurred involving a Texas cement truck and a school bus transporting pre-K students, resulting in the loss of one student and one driver's life.
According to reports by the Austin-American Statesman, the Texas concrete truck driver had consumed recreational cocaine and smoked marijuana within 24 hours prior to the accident, Kxan reports.
The Texas concrete truck driver has faced issues with drug testing over the past few years.
In December 2022, he tested positive for marijuana, and in April 2023, he tested positive for cocaine.
The Statesman also reported that in September 2020, an employer requested the Texas concrete truck driver to undergo a drug test due to suspicions of drug use, but he declined to take the test.
The incident occurred on March 22 as more than 40 pre-K students and 11 adults from Tom Green Elementary were returning from a field trip to the Bastrop County Zoo.
The cement truck veered into the lane, striking the bus around 2 PM; thirty-two people were hospitalized, with numerous injuries reported among students and teachers.
Five-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, a doctoral student at the University of Texas, lost their lives in the Texas school bus crash.
The Texas concrete truck driver, 42-year-old Jerry Hernandez, was arrested on a charge of criminally negligent homicide.
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Video Captures Harrowing Moment of Impact
Disturbing footage released by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District reveals the moment of impact between the cement truck and the Texas school bus crash.
The video, captured from front and side-facing cameras, shows the Texas concrete truck crossing double yellow lines and colliding with the bus, causing it to overturn, Fox News noted.
Prior to the collision, cries can be heard, and upon impact, a fireball erupts while debris scatters.
Witnesses rush to aid the scene as the severity of the situation unfolds.
The Texas school bus crash occurred near State Highway 21 and Caldwell Road in Bastrop County.
Community Mourns Loss, Offers Support
Superintendent Eric Wright expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, describing the loss of the young student as deeply sorrowful.
The bus was transporting Tom Green Elementary Pre-K students from their zoo trip when the accident occurred.
Despite sustaining injuries, the Texas school bus driver prioritized the welfare of the children and other passengers.
Governor Greg Abbott extended sympathies to the Tom Green Elementary community and commended the efforts of first responders.
"Cecilia and I are saddened to hear about this tragic incident, and we ask all Texans to join us in prayer for Tom Green Elementary students and families during this difficult time," Governor Abbott stated. "I've spoken with Hyas CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright and offered the state's full support as they help their community through this tragedy," he added.
He pledged the state's full support in assisting the community through the aftermath of the incident, according to USA Today.
As investigations into the collision continue, the community mourns the loss of innocent lives and stands united in support of those affected by the tragic events.
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Written by: Ross Key
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