Goldsby, OK — December 7, 2024, Blake C. Smith was killed in a truck accident at about 9 p.m. on Interstate 35.

Authorities said Blake C. Smith, 20, was driving an Amazon delivery truck that crashed into the back of a Freightliner truck as congestion slowed traffic headed north toward Oklahoma City.

The Amazon truck reportedly caught on fire after it became lodged under the bigger truck near mile marker 103.

Blake C. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining severe injuries in the McClain County crash, according to authorities. The Freightliner driver was not injured.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash, or the vehicles involved in it.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about an accident like this, they tend to focus on asking what the drivers involved in the crash did. In my experience, having handled hundreds of commercial vehicle accident cases, there are countless factors beyond just drivers' actions that need attention. The challenge is making sure experienced investigators are actually digging into these details. Allow me to explain.

Rear-end Collisions

First of all, rear-end collisions often seem straightforward, but they can involve a range of contributing factors beyond the driver's actions. For instance:

• Traffic Congestion and Sudden Braking: Was there adequate warning for drivers about slowing or stopped traffic ahead? What were road conditions like? Was there construction diverting traffic? Is excessive traffic common for this stretch of road?
• Vehicle Maintenance: When it comes to commercial vehicles, drivers are sometimes forced to work in sub-par conditions they aren't necessarily in control of. As such, it's important to examine maintenance records to know whether or not these vehicles are in good working order.

The Fire and Potential Defects

The fact that the victim's truck caught fire after the collision raises serious questions about the truck's design and condition. Fires in vehicle crashes can be linked to issues such as:

• Poorly Protected Fuel Tanks: Poorly positioned or unprotected fuel tanks can rupture and ignite in a collision. Investigating whether the truck's fuel system met safety standards is essential​​.
• Cargo Safety: Delivery trucks may carry flammable materials, such as packaging or electronics, which can intensify fires if not properly secured or stored​.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty wiring or inadequate maintenance could also contribute to a post-crash fire. A thorough forensic examination of the vehicle is necessary to rule out these possibilities​​.

Crashes like this aren't just about two vehicles on a highway. It’s about understanding all the factors and conditions that led to a loss of life. Without a rigorous investigation, families can miss out on the full story, leaving unanswered questions and doubts. That's why it's important to know whether or not authorities are looking into some of the possible factors discussed above. If they aren't, they could be missing something important.