Villegas Isidore, a 45-year-old man from Shafter, California, was killed Monday afternoon when his SUV struck an 18-wheeler truck. The wreck took place on US Highway 77 and FM 445 near Victoria, Texas.
The wreck took place when Isidore’s 1998 Ford Explorer blew out its front left tire, which caused the SUV to veer across the road, eventually side-swiping an 18-wheeler heading in the opposite direction. The Explorer was then pulled underneath the tractor portion of the truck, and struck the rear axle and knocked it off, causing catastrophic damage to the SUV. The 18-wheeler veered onto the shoulder of the highway and eventually left the road, stopping in nearby brush. The Explorer remained on the highway after the collision.
Isidore was transported to Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Karnes County, but was pronounced dead at 5:11 p.m., according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Two passengers in Isidore’s car survived – Magdalena Ozuna, 38, and her mother Juanita Ozuna, 66. They were also from Shafter, California. They were taken to Citizens Medical Center for treatment for their injuries, though the severity was not reported.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, Arnulfo Olivo, 59, refused medical attention, according to officials.
