Upton County, TX (November 27, 2024) – A fatal crash occurred Tuesday afternoon, leaving one man dead and another with injuries. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to the collision around 1:23 p.m. on State Highway 349, near mile marker 376.
According to officials, 28-year-old Joel Garza Jr. of Edinburg, Texas, was traveling northbound on State Highway 349 when he entered the wrong side of the roadway. Garza was driving in the outside southbound lane and continued traveling against traffic. He then veered into the inside southbound lane, where he collided with 60-year-old Ruben Villegas-Rodriquez of Crane, who was driving a Western Star truck with a trailer.
Garza was pronounced dead at the scene by Highway Patrol, while Villegas-Rodriquez, the driver of the truck, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Rankin Hospital for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no further details are available at this time.
Fatal Crashes in Texas
Upton County, like many areas across Texas, faces the unfortunate reality of fatal traffic collisions. These accidents often occur due to dangerous driving behaviors, such as driving the wrong way or failing to follow posted road signs. The consequences of these crashes can be devastating, as seen in the tragic loss of Joel Garza Jr.
The role of law enforcement and emergency responders is crucial in the immediate aftermath of such crashes. Texas Highway Patrol and local emergency responders work quickly to secure the scene, assist the injured, and begin investigations to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation into this crash is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
Motorists are reminded to always drive safely, remain vigilant, and adhere to traffic laws to reduce the risk of similar accidents. Driving on the correct side of the road and staying aware of your surroundings can help prevent deadly crashes like the one that occurred in Upton County.
Local Accident Reports offers our deepest sympathies to the family of Joel Garza Jr. and wishes for a quick recovery to Ruben Villegas-Rodriquez. As always, we will continue to provide updates as more information comes in.