Dallam County, TX (March 24, 2025) – One man was killed and another was seriously injured Monday evening in a head-on collision between two semi-trucks on US 54, roughly 10 miles southwest of Stratford, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. on a stretch of highway with dry, clear conditions and a posted speed limit of 75 mph. A 2022 Freightliner towing a semi-trailer was headed northeast on US 54 when, for reasons still under investigation, it crossed the center line and struck a 2024 Volvo semi-truck traveling in the opposite direction.
The Freightliner driver, 63-year-old Mark Baucom of Eldon, Missouri, died at the scene. The driver of the Volvo, a 36-year-old man from Parish, Alabama, was flown to Amarillo Northwest Texas Hospital with serious injuries.
DPS confirmed that both men were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Legal Considerations: When two commercial vehicles collide head-on, investigators typically examine fatigue, distraction, mechanical issues, and road design to determine what led to the lane departure. In this case, the cause remains unknown, but DPS will likely analyze dashcam footage (if available), electronic logging devices (ELDs), and the mechanical condition of the Freightliner.
Authorities may also look at how long the Freightliner had been on the road, whether the driver took required rest breaks, and whether any steering or tire failure played a role.
In fatal truck crashes, federal regulations governing commercial drivers often come under review, especially when a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic.
Ongoing Investigation: Texas DPS continues to investigate the crash. No contributing factors have been confirmed, and no other vehicles were involved. Reconstruction efforts may provide more detail about the Freightliner’s movements before impact.
If the investigation finds that driver error, fatigue, or equipment failure led to the crash, Mark Baucom’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
I extend my condolences to the loved ones of Mark Baucom and hope the surviving driver receives the care he needs in the days ahead.
Source: Amarillo Globe-News