Texarkana, TX (August 9, 2025) – A construction worker was killed in a tragic crash Thursday afternoon along Interstate 30 near the 190-mile marker west of New Boston. Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety identified the victim as 21-year-old Braden Tucker of Lufkin, Texas.
Preliminary reports indicate Tucker was operating a Kubota skid steer and attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of I-30 when he was struck by an approaching 18-wheeler. The impact threw him from the skid steer. Emergency personnel responded quickly, and Tucker was transported to the nearest hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators stated Tucker had been working on guardrail repairs in the center median prior to the collision. The Texas DPS is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Our thoughts are with Tucker’s family, friends, and colleagues as they grieve this loss.
Roadside Work Zone Safety in Texas
This fatal incident highlights the serious risks faced by roadside construction workers across Texas. Work zones on high-speed highways such as I-30 present unique hazards, as crews operate in close proximity to fast-moving traffic. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, dozens of workers are injured or killed in work zone crashes each year, with many incidents involving commercial trucks.
Safety protocols such as reduced speed limits, advance warning signs, and physical barriers are designed to help protect workers, but driver attentiveness remains a crucial factor. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have devastating consequences when large vehicles are involved.
Motorists are urged to remain alert, slow down when approaching work zones, and follow posted signs carefully. For commercial drivers, maintaining extra following distance and scanning ahead for lane shifts or stopped traffic is essential.
For families affected by fatal work zone accidents, understanding legal rights can be critical in seeking justice and support. Wrongful death claims may help cover expenses such as funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering, providing some relief in the wake of tragedy.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a work zone accident in Texas, you may be entitled to legal assistance to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
