On May 3, 2023, at 7:32 AM, an 18-wheeler verses passenger truck collision occurred at the intersection of N McDonald St (State Hwy 5) and the 400 block of Powerhouse St in McKinney, Collin County. The vehicles involved were Unit 1 (an 18-wheeler), Unit 2 (trailer), and Unit 3 (truck).
The tractor trailer, driven by Jose Ramon Verdin Alvarez, 65 years old, was stopped at the stop sign in the 400 block of Powerhouse St. The tractor trailer driver pulled away from the stop sign and entered the northbound lane of N McDonald St, intending to cross the intersection and make a left turn onto the southbound lane of N McDonald St.
While the tractor successfully cleared the intersection, the trailer remained in the intersection, obstructing the northbound lane. At that moment, Unit 3, a passenger truck traveling north in the northbound lane, collided with Unit 2. The truck traveled underneath the trailer, resulting in severe damage to the passenger truck.
James Bryan Graham, the driver of Unit 3, tragically sustained fatal injuries in the collision. He was transported to Medical City McKinney by McKinney Fire EMS but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at approximately 9:27 PM on the same day. Jose Ramon Verdin Alvarez, the driver of 18-wheeler, was transported to Baylor Medical Center for unrelated medical issues.
The investigation determined the operator of the tractor trailer did not have enough time to safely enter the intersection and complete the turn without causing a collision with the passenger truck. As a result, Jose Ramon Verdin Alvarez, the driver of the 18-wheeler, was issued citations for failing to yield the right of way, causing serious bodily injury, as well as for having brakes out of service by 20% or more.
It is important to exercise caution and allow sufficient time for all vehicles to safely navigate intersections. Failure to yield the right of way can have devastating consequences, as demonstrated by this tragic collision. Adhering to traffic regulations and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance are crucial elements in preventing such accidents and preserving the safety of all road users.