Two Killed in Fiery Semi-Truck Collision in Hansford County

HANSFORD COUNTY, TX – Authorities reported a tragic accident on Tuesday afternoon that claimed the lives of two individuals following a severe collision involving two semi-trucks. The crash occurred at approximately 2:22 p.m. on August 27 near the intersection of Farm-to-Market 2018 and Highway 136, about four miles south of Gruver, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The accident involved a 2021 Peterbilt truck tractor/semi-trailer traveling westbound on FM 2018 and a 2001 Freightliner truck tractor/semi-trailer moving northbound on Highway 136. DPS reported that the driver of the Peterbilt failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection, leading to a collision with the Freightliner. The impact caused both vehicles to ignite in flames, resulting in extensive damage and making the scene challenging for first responders.

Mark Ray, 56, of Clinton, Oklahoma, was identified as the driver of the Peterbilt, while Adrian Ceniceros, 20, of Perryton, Texas, was driving the Freightliner. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene by Hansford County Justice of the Peace Dee Mayfield. The severe fire that engulfed both vehicles complicated rescue efforts, and the extent of the damage has made it difficult to determine whether either driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, DPS officials noted.

The crash site, situated in a rural area with a speed limit of 75 mph, saw clear and dry weather conditions at the time of the collision, according to DPS. Investigators are still working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic accident. The Texas Highway Patrol Troopers are conducting a thorough investigation, focusing on why the Peterbilt driver failed to stop at the intersection, which is equipped with a stop sign intended to prevent such accidents.

This incident has sparked discussions about road safety, particularly at rural intersections where high-speed limits and large commercial vehicles intersect. The loss of life in this accident underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic signals and the potential consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment on the road. As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all potential contributing factors, including driver error, vehicle condition, and road design.

Community members in Hansford County and the surrounding areas are mourning the sudden loss of Ray and Ceniceros. The accident has also raised awareness about the dangers faced by truck drivers who navigate these high-speed rural roads daily. As authorities work to complete their investigation, the focus remains on understanding how this collision occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is expected to release further information as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, they urge all drivers, especially those operating large commercial vehicles, to exercise caution at intersections and to always comply with traffic signals. The goal is to ensure that tragedies like this one are avoided and that all drivers can travel safely on Texas roads.