Update: The Tarkington man killed in the crash Friday night was Jared Snell. Snell was a firefighter for Atascocito Fire Department.
The fire department released the following statement on Facebook:
Dear Members, Families and Neighbors,
It is with deepest sorrow that the Atascocita Fire Department reports the death of one of our firefighters; Lieutenant Jared Snell. Lieutenant Snell had been a member of the Atascocita Fire Department since April of 2017 and was a member of the Baytown Fire Department prior to moving to Atascocita.
Lieutenant Snell was driving home last night, on State Highway 105 about ten miles East of Cleveland, TX when, at around 8:00pm, he was involved in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler truck. Jared Snell died in the accident.
Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts and prayers are with Jared Snell’s family. Details regarding funeral arrangements for Jared will be provided as they become available.
In sadness and with sympathy,
Jerry Dilliard
Public Information Officer
Atascocita Fire Department
Original article:
Authorities say a Tarkington man was killed Friday, around 8 p.m., when he crashed into an oncoming 18-wheeler on SH 105 near CR 2234.
The Tarkington man was traveling eastbound on SH 105 when he attempted to pass another vehicle and drove straight into the path of an 18-wheeler hauling CO2 canisters, according to Trooper Spencer Shaw with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames immediately after impact.
The driver of the 18-wheeler leaped from the truck and survived. The Tarkington man died in the crash.
A resident who lives on SH 105 near the accident scene said she heard a short screeching of tires and then the sound of vehicles crashing. Multiple explosions followed.
When Tarkington and Cleveland fire departments arrived, both vehicles were still fully engulfed in flames.
According to Shaw, the driver of the 18-wheeler suffered minor injuries and was taken by ground ambulance by Liberty County EMS to HCA in Cleveland.
The identity of the man killed in the crash is being withheld pending the notification of his family. The name of the truck driver is unknown at this time.
Smith Towing and J & J Wrecker Service are assisting in the cleanup and removal of the vehicles. Liberty County Hazmat and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is assisting DPS. Fire Marshal Bill Hergemueller is also assisting in the investigation.
The roadway is expected to be closed until the early morning hours of Saturday, Shaw said.