Marshall, TX (July 29, 2025) – A late-night crash involving a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck left two people injured and caused a diesel spill in Marshall on July 25.
The accident occurred just after 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 59 and Loop 390. According to authorities, a tractor-trailer driven by 59-year-old Kenneth Janowski of Linden reportedly ran a red light and slammed into a pickup truck towing an empty horse trailer. The force of the crash caused a rupture in the semi’s fuel tank, spilling diesel fuel across the roadway and into a nearby drainage ditch.
Emergency crews responded to the scene quickly and called in Lone Star Hazmat to assist with cleanup operations. The spill posed an environmental hazard, which extended the time required to clear the area. Paramedics treated the two occupants of the pickup truck on-site before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed, but they were reported as conscious at the time of transport. Marshall police arrested Janowski at the scene. He now faces two charges of Intoxication Assault with a Vehicle and is being held at the Harrison County Jail. Authorities confirmed the investigation remains active as they review surveillance footage and gather statements from witnesses.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Truck Accidents in Texas
Large truck crashes across Texas continue to raise concerns, especially when hazardous materials are involved. In 2023, Texas led the nation in fatal truck crashes, with over 600 deaths involving commercial vehicles, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These collisions often result in serious injuries due to the weight and force behind 18-wheelers and other large trucks.
Crashes like these can create lasting consequences. Here are some common factors that make truck accidents especially dangerous:
- Hazardous Cargo: When trucks carry fuel, chemicals, or other dangerous materials, any collision can lead to environmental damage, fires, or hazardous exposure for nearby people and property.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours. Fatigue has been linked to slower reaction times and a higher risk of missing critical traffic cues, such as traffic lights or stop signs.
- Brake Failure or Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained trucks are at greater risk for mechanical failures, including brake issues. When a fully loaded truck can’t stop in time, the results can be catastrophic.
- Size and Weight Disparities: Even at low speeds, an 18-wheeler can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles due to its massive size and momentum.
- Blind Spots: Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, increasing the chance of side-swipe collisions when changing lanes or turning.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use by a commercial driver adds a dangerous layer to an already high-risk situation, often resulting in felony charges following a crash.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a wreck involving a commercial vehicle, it’s important to speak with an attorney immediately. Call our truck accident attorneys today. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, hold responsible parties accountable, and help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Quick action can make all the difference in protecting your legal rights.
At The McGuire Firm, we’re proud to help East Texans recover after life-altering accidents. Our firm has handled over 3,000 cases and secured millions for injured clients. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be, and we’re here to lift that burden off your shoulders. If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, call us. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win for you. Your healing is our priority. Contact our team today at (903) 630-7154 for your free consultation. Let us help you move forward.
