Crane County, TX (April 16, 2025) – A tragic head-on collision claimed the life of a 32-year-old woman from Arlington on Wednesday morning after a semi-truck experienced a tire blowout and veered into oncoming traffic on FM 1053, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Accident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. when a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia truck tractor towing a trailer, driven by Ronnie Lewis Barlow, 59, of Peoria, Arizona, was heading north on FM 1053. DPS reported that the semi suffered a front-left tire blowout, causing the vehicle to cross into the southbound lane and collide head-on with a Volkswagen Jetta.
The Jetta’s driver, Susan Marie Komanetsky, was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been wearing a seatbelt. The semi-truck caught fire after the crash, but Barlow was not injured.
Legal Considerations: Tire blowouts in commercial vehicles can be catastrophic and are often scrutinized for underlying causes, including poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or overuse. Investigators will likely examine maintenance logs, tire condition, and whether the trucking company adhered to federal safety standards.
If the blowout could have been prevented, Susan Komanetsky’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against the trucking company or tire manufacturer.
Ongoing Investigation: The Texas DPS is continuing to investigate the incident. No citations or charges have been announced, and no further information has been released.
My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Susan Marie Komanetsky during this incredibly difficult time.
Source: YourBasin.com