Two Large Trucks Collide Near Sterling City

Two large trucks, a cotton module hauler and a tow truck, have collided on US 87 North, near Sterling City. At the scene, there are no fires. But the damage to both large trucks is horrific.

Airmed 1 was requested, but low ceilings prevented its launch. In Airmed 1's absence, we witnessed both SAFD's Medic 6 and a Sterling County EMS ambulances rushing back towards San Angelo with sirens and lights. They were headed to Shannon Medical Center, according to the radio.

DPS and the local sheriff's deputies are on the scene. The crash scene is 1.5 miles north of the Tom Green County-Sterling County line. The crash happened at approximately 8:30 a.m.

We are at the scene and will report updates as they happen.

Update 10:00 a.m.

Heavy, cold rain falls on the scene. The roadways are wet. It's 38 degrees here.

Update 10:09 a.m.

DPS is investigating. From our vantage point, it appears that one of the trucks crossed over the median and hit the other truck headed in the opposite direction. One of the trucks came to a rest within the perimeter of the rest stop, causing damage.

Update 12:20 p.m.

According to the initial DPS report, both drivers were transported to Shannon Medical Center with incapacitating injuries. The driver of the tow truck is reported to be in critical condition. Names of the victims were not released, pending notification of next-of-kin.

The DPS report indicates that a white 2014 Hino flatbed tow truck was northbound on US 87; a white 2000 Freightliner cotton module hauler was southbound.

As the two trucks approached each other headed in opposite directions on the four-lane divided highway, the flatbed tow truck crossed over the grass median and collided with the cotton module hauler head-on.

The tow truck came to a rest facing northeast in the southbound roadway. The cotton module hauler came to a rest facing south in a rest area on the west side of the roadway.

A witness at the scene told us that the driver of the tow truck "had to be cut out of the cab."

While the investigation continues, and TxDOT is also investigating, all southbound traffic near the crash scene is being diverted into the east roadway, and traffic in both directions is reduced to one lane.

The weather was wet with rain and DPS reported that the roadway was slick as a result of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway.

DPS said that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Trooper Kyle Daniel, Big Spring, is the lead investigator.

Update 4:10 p.m.

DPS released the names of the two drivers.

Rafael Cavazos Rodriguez, 48, of Austin was driving the Hino flatbed tow truck. He is listed in critical condition at Shannon ICU.

Alberto Gutierrez Martinez, 50, of Mercedes was the driver of the cotton module hauler. His condition is unknown, but was transported via ambulance from the scene with incapacitating injuries.

Update Dec. 24 at 9:20 a.m.

DPS reported that Rafael Cavazos Rodriguez remains in ICU at Shannon. The daughter of the other driver, Yasmin Martinez, reported yesterday via Facebook: "My father was the driver of the cotton module hauler he is doing good...broken ribs and cuts and bruises...ribs tore spleen but no surgery needed...if all goes well he will be released tomorrow...other driver is critical...Thank you all kind ppl for your prayers...God bless you...and thanks once more..."