Last Updated on November 11, 2021 – 3:53 PM CST
Around 5:54 p.m. on Wednesday, a 2006 Ford Expedition was traveling east on FM 281 on the wrong side of the highway in a no-passing zone when it struck a 2022 Mack Truck tractor/semi-trailer traveling westbound.
The Expedition was on the wrong side of the highway about 14.5 miles west of Cactus when it struck 2022 Mack Truck head-on, according to the Texas Department of Public safety.
The Ford Expedition was propelled into the south ditch and the driver and passenger were ejected.
The Texas DPS says both the 2006 Ford Expedition and 2022 Mack Truck tractor/semi-trailer caught fire upon impact.
The driver of the Ford Expedition, Maximiliano Gabriel-Gutierrez, 35, of Cactus. Died on the scene and was pronounced deceased by Hartley County Justice of the Peace, Beth Moore.
Juan Lopez, 20, of Cactus. Transported to Amarillo Northwest Texas Hospital with serious injuries where he is in stable condition.
The driver of the Mack truck, Julio Niubo-Olazabal, 55, of Dalhart. Died on the scene and was pronounced deceased by Hartley County Justice of the Peace, Beth Moore.
Both occupants of the 2006 Ford Expedition were not wearing seat belts according to the DPS.