Tragic tractor-trailer wreck kills driver in Houston following tire blow-out

According to the Houston Chronicle, a tractor-trailer caught crashed and caught fire, trapping the driver and causing his death.

According to witness Selvin Dias of Pasadena, he saw a tire on the rig blow-out, after which the driver lost control.

Five or six people tried to help the driver, but they couldn't get him out of the truck before he died.

One of the commentors on the Houston Chronicle website said as follows:

"That tire better have been properly maintained, inspected and not retread by the owner or they should get a needle in their greedy arm.  Too many of these trucks are flying around with ghetto shop brakes and trailer park cheap tires killing drivers and operators."

Unfortunately, it is true that too many trucking companies cut corners on tire maintenance, putting their drivers and the motoring public at risk.  We hope that the appropriate police department fully investigates this tragic incident, including a detailed investigation of the cause of the tire failure.  But all too often, the true root cause of these types of tragic accidents don't get fully investigated by law enforcement, either because of lack of time, interest, resources, or expertise.  

For the sake of the driver's loved ones, let's hope this incident is fully and competently investigated.