ST. FRANCIS COUNTY, Arkansas- An accident involving a tanker truck carrying diesel fuel resulted in a fiery multi-vehicle pile-up in St. Francis County, Arkansas.
The exact cause of the accident is not immediately apparent as investigators continue to sort through the crash scene. The number of vehicles was not immediately reported.
Authorities have not provided information on injuries sustained in the accident.
All eastbound lanes remain closed as the investigation continues and the Arkansas Department of Transportation tests the road for safety.
No further details were immediately available.
Brief thoughts on fiery multi-vehicle crash near Forrest City
The details of this accident are horrific, and we pray there are no injuries or fatalities as a result. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and we hope that multiple investigations are conducted. Crashes like this put the lives of everyone on the roadway in danger, and any party bearing responsibility for creating such conditions should have to answer for their negligence.
Regardless of the type of cargo, there are strict guidelines governing how it must be stored and protected within the tractor-trailer throughout its journey, and it is especially important that these are followed if the cargo is flammable, as in this case. Unfortunately, we know that shipping companies cut corners when implementing these guidelines in the name of efficiency and for increased profits, making rollovers and fires more likely. This puts countless people at risk, and any company engaging in negligent behavior should be held liable for that negligence.
Alternatively, one of the most apparent and increasingly common causes of crashes is distracted driving. Drivers get lulled into complacency, thinking it will only take a second to respond to a text or email, but that is all the time it takes for a tragedy to occur. Thankfully, all states have laws enacted to deter and punish distracted driving, allowing victims of crashes the ability to recover from distracted drivers for their actions.
We know very little about the circumstances surrounding the onset of this accident, and it is too early to apportion fault. The above are merely potential strategies our firm has pursued in previous cases with similar circumstances. Whatever the investigation ultimately reveals about the cause of this crash, everyone affected by this crash deserves answers and compensation for the injuries and expenses that will undoubtedly flow from this accident.
