03/11/15 Unsafe 18-Wheeler Caused Multiple Accidents

 

On February 18, Dallas County Deputy Keith Axsom was called by dispatch at about 8:30pm concerning a report of an 18 wheeler in the Farindale construction zone on 167 traveling south with his rear axle dragging the ground. The caller said the truck was traveling about 15 miles per hour with emergency flashers on. When Axsom arrived at the scene, the truck was sitting on the shoulder of the road. The driver, Jessie Lee Tate of Crossett, said he had no idea there was a problem.

After inspecting the trailer, Axsom noticed the right rear of the trailer was missing both tires and wheels, and the axle had been dragging the roadway, as reported. An ambulance driver, Douglas McMurray, stated he was behind the truck when it lost a brake shoe. McMurray said he hit the brake shoe with his right front tire, causing it to blow out, and causing a diesel leak.

Axsom drove North to see how far Tate had driven with the axle dragging and spotted John Tremaine sitting on the shoulder of the North-bound lane. Tremaine stated he met the truck, then hit something in the road that caused him to lose all the gas in his truck. Upon inspection, Axsom saw a large hole in the gas tank.

Axsom continued to drive ten and a half miles into Grant County following gouge marks in the road. In the distance he drove, Axsom said he never saw where the gouge marks started. Tate was cited for unsafe vehicle.