WACO, McLennan County, Texas, Oct. 14, 2026 — A 50-year-old man died early on Tuesday morning, October 13, after a crash involving two trucks on Interstate 35 near 12th Street in Waco, according to the Waco Police Department.
The man was driving a Nissan south on I-35 when it struck the back of a cement pump truck. The Nissan reportedly lost power after the impact and drifted into another lane, where it was hit by a semi-truck.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His name had not been released as of Tuesday.
A passenger riding in the Nissan and the driver of the semi-truck were taken to a hospital with injuries described as minor. The cement truck driver's condition was not detailed in the release.
The Waco Police Department said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
When Highway Crashes Involving Trucks Are Most Likely
Early morning hours carry their own risks on interstates like I-35, where commercial trucks often run overnight to avoid daytime traffic. Darkness reduces visibility, and drivers emerging from a night shift or a short sleep face a higher risk of slower reaction times. A vehicle that loses power or drifts out of its lane, as reportedly happened in this crash, leaves other drivers little time to react in low light.
Weekday mornings also mean a mix of commercial trucks and commuter traffic sharing the same lanes, often at different speeds. A pump truck or semi moving at a steady pace can be struck from behind by a car that comes up faster than expected, especially before sunrise, when headlights and taillights are harder to judge.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays in 2023. That pattern tracks with when trucks are on the road for deliveries and job sites, overlapping with the early commute when fatigue and reduced visibility are both in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do trucks need so much distance to stop?
Loaded commercial trucks weigh far more than passenger cars and need significantly longer stopping distances, especially at highway speeds. A car that follows too closely or misjudges a truck's speed can run out of room before the truck's brakes fully engage.
What makes a crash between a car and a truck more dangerous than a crash between two cars?
The difference in size and weight means the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force. Even at moderate speeds, a car striking a truck's rear or being struck by one can suffer severe damage while the truck sustains comparatively little.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially or fully beneath a truck's trailer or rear end during a collision. These crashes can be especially severe because the car's safety structures, built to protect occupants from front and side impacts, are not designed for that kind of impact point.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Waco, TX
If you're involved in a crash with a commercial truck, call 911 right away and move to a safe location if you're able. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from a sudden impact don't show symptoms immediately.
Get the names and contact information of anyone else involved, along with the responding officer's name and the report number. Photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible damage can help later if questions come up about how the crash happened. Waco police and Texas Department of Transportation records will typically document a crash like this, so keep your own notes while the details are fresh.
