On Friday afternoon, two people were killed and at least three others were severely injured in a crash involving a church van out of Graham. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the incident occurred sometime around 5:30 p.m., about two miles north of U.S. 180 on State Highway 377 near Mineral Wells, in Palo Pinto County. Multiple victims had to be airlifted to hospitals in Fort Worth.
Head-On Deadly Collision Involving Church Van
For currently unknown reasons, the church van collided head-on with another car on the road. At this time, very few details have been released about the deadly crash, which is likely still under investigation with law enforcement authorities. We do know that teenagers were riding in a van belonging to Faith Center Church, in Graham. The driver of the car, Jessica Lee Harris, and one person inside of the van, Stacey Daily, were killed in the crash. The forceful impact of the wreck caused the car to burst into flames and the van to overturn in the roadway.
Victims Recovering From Injuries
KFDX News Channel Three also reports that an 11-year-old girl was listed in critical condition, and she sustained fractures in her back, neck, pelvis and legs. Additionally, a teen also suffered from multiple fractures and foot injuries and was also listed in serious condition. Kenny Wemer, the 49-year-old driver of the van, was taken to a hospital in Fort Worth for treatment of injuries as well. At this time, we don’t know the full extent of injuries or whether or not these victims’ statuses have improved.
Crashes Involving Passenger Vans
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted extensive research to determine why passenger vans are at a greater risk for rollover than smaller traditional cars and light trucks. The increased rollover risk is attributed to three possible factors.
Passenger Van Rollover Risk Factors
- Inexperienced drivers
- Improperly sized and/or inflated tires
- Incorrectly loaded cargo and passengers that affect center of gravity.
Although there’s no word on whether or not anybody inside of the van was buckled up, it’s all too common to see passenger van crashes where very few occupants were buckled up.
The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members, friends and loved ones of Jessica Lee Harris and Stacy Daily. We also wish full and swift recoveries for the injured victims.