The Salado Fire Department was dispatched to FM-2843 for a report of a multi-vehicle accident with a high mechanism rollover on Tuesday, August 3 at 6:40 am.
Salado FD along with DPS, Temple Medic 25, Temple Medic 23, Belton Medic 2, and a PHI Med 1-5 Helicopter responded to the accident located between Kuykendall Branch Rd and the Interstate 35 South Frontage.
Three vehicles were found upon arriving at the scene, with major damage, according to the Salado Texas Volunteer Fire Dept. One was found on its side and another in the creek. All occupants were outside of their vehicles and the PHI Med 1-5 Helicopter was canceled on route by paramedics on scene.
Bell County Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman pronounced one of the crash victims dead on scene. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Javier Edgardo Castro Romero of Temple.
According to DPS, investigation revealed that a 2008 Dodge pickup truck, operated by a 24-year-old male, was traveling east on FM-2843; this vehicle crossed the double yellow center line into oncoming traffic and struck a 2006 Nissan pickup truck, driven by a 42-year-old male, and a 2010 Toyota passenger car, operated by Romero.
The impact pushed Romero's vehicle off of the north side of the roadway into a water-filled ditch.
All debris and vehicles have been now removed from the roadway; as Salado FD cleared the site of the crash at approximately 11:15 am.
"Texas DPS would like to remind drivers to always drive defensively and stay in your lane," said Sergeant Bryan Washko of Texas DPS. "Failing to drive in your lane will increase the chances of being involved in a crash with an oncoming vehicle."
