Horizon City, Texas (November 20, 2025) — A 34-year-old Horizon City man, Benjamin Caballero De Anda, died after a head-on collision with a Freightliner dump truck Thursday morning in Far East El Paso County, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 6:43 a.m. in the 2500 block of N. Ascencion Street, near East Montana Middle School. Deputies say the dump truck was traveling north when it lost control on wet pavement, skidding into oncoming traffic and colliding head-on with De Anda’s Chevrolet pickup.
De Anda was rushed to a local hospital with critical injuries but tragically died a short time later. The dump truck driver’s condition was not detailed in the initial report, but no additional injuries were disclosed. Sheriff’s officials noted the crash happened during a period of wet roadway conditions that may have contributed to the loss of control.
Investigation: The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the precise mechanics of the crash, including the speed of each vehicle at the time of impact and whether roadway drainage, tire traction, or hydroplaning contributed to the incident. Investigators will examine skid marks, point-of-impact damage, and debris distribution to determine the angle of the collision and the distance the dump truck traveled after losing control.
In weather-related commercial vehicle crashes, reconstruction teams often analyze tire condition, load weight, and brake performance, as these factors can affect a truck’s ability to maintain traction on wet pavement. Event data recorders from both vehicles may also provide insight into the steering and braking inputs in the moments leading up to the collision. Findings from these analyses will help clarify whether the loss of control was unavoidable or if any additional contributing factors require further attention.
Legal Considerations: Head-on collisions involving commercial trucks frequently raise questions of civil liability, particularly when a large vehicle crosses into oncoming lanes. Even when adverse weather conditions are present, truck drivers and their employers are expected to adjust their driving accordingly, such as reducing speed, increasing following distance, and exercising heightened caution. If investigators determine that the dump truck was traveling too fast for wet conditions or failed to maintain safe control, the trucking company may face significant exposure in a wrongful death claim.
For the family of Benjamin Caballero De Anda, the suddenness of this loss is immeasurable. A wrongful death claim can help address funeral costs, lost income, and the deep emotional harm caused by losing a loved one, but it also serves a broader purpose: ensuring accountability and improving roadway safety. While no legal outcome can ease a family’s grief, establishing responsibility can provide some measure of clarity in the wake of an unexpected tragedy.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Benjamin’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: KFOX14 / CBS4