McCurtain County, Okla. — Two people were killed and three injured Sept.13 after a vehicle blew a tire west of Idabel.
The SUV was eastbound on State Highway 37 at about 5:30 p.m. when the tire failed, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline of the two-lane roadway and crash into the side of a pickup truck, according to a local news report. The SUV then traveled into a ditch and caught fire.
Two male occupants of the SUV died at the scene of the accident. Authorities have yet to identify the victims.
The 19-year-old driver of the pickup truck was treated for minor injuries, while the two 15-year-old female passengers in the vehicle were airlifted to hospitals in Texas and Louisiana with critical injuries. All are residents of Rockwall, though their identities have yet to be released.
No additional information regarding the accident was immediately available.
COMMENTARY BY ROB AMMONS
I am deeply saddened to see multiple young lives lost and others forever changed in this accident. It is difficult for those that have not personally experienced tire failure at highway speeds to understand the gravity of the situation. Depending on the cause of the blowout, maintaining control of the vehicle is akin to driving on ice.
Tire failure encompasses both a tire blowout and tread separation. While both events can lead to a complete loss of control, tread separation is often more disastrous. When the tire’s tread separates from the wheel of the tire, the traction between the vehicle and the roadway is lost. Without traction, the driver experiences ice-like conditions and controlling the vehicle becomes extremely difficult.
Details released by officials do not indicate what caused the tire on this young man’s vehicle to fail. It is simply unfair for such young lives to be lost due to an accident likely outside the control of the driver. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the victims’ families, and I pray the injured experience a full and speedy recovery.
MEET ROB AMMONS
For over three decades Rob Ammons has concentrated his practice on tire and automotive defect claims, representing clients against tire manufacturers, automakers, tire retailers, and tire service centers. Mr. Ammons’ success against Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Cooper Tire, Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental/General Tire, Kumho Tire, and Yokohama has led to the recall of millions of tires across the country. If you or your loved one have been injured from a defective tire, reach out to Rob Ammons now for a no-cost consultation.
Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. The photos used in this post are not of the actual accident. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
