Bedford County, TN — March 8, 2025, Dante Guel and Marcus Johnson were killed in a truck accident at about 1:15 p.m. on State Route 437.

Authorities said two dump trucks collided head-on near Phillipi Road near Shelbyville. A Kenworth dump truck overturned after the crash, while a Western Star dump truck slid into a ditch. Both trucks caught fire after the collision.

Kenworth driver Dante Jose Guel, 46, and Western Star driver Marcus Johnson, 24, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bedford County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Head-on collisions between two dump trucks are rare, and when they do happen, they raise serious concerns about how and why both vehicles ended up in each other’s path. In this case, reports indicate that a Kenworth and a Western Star dump truck collided head-on, overturned and caught fire. A full investigation should determine whether this was due to driver error, road conditions, mechanical failure or some other contributing factor.

One of the first things investigators need to examine is which truck crossed the center line and why. Did one driver lose control due to distraction, fatigue or excessive speed? Did either truck experience a mechanical failure — such as a blown tire or steering issue — that caused it to drift into oncoming traffic? Reviewing black box data, dashcam footage (if available) and witness statements will be critical in understanding the sequence of events.

Another major concern is road design and conditions. Dump trucks are often used in construction and roadwork, which means they frequently operate on narrow, winding roads with limited room for error. Was this section of State Route 437 designed in a way that made passing or avoiding collisions difficult? Were there visibility issues due to curves, hills or obstructions? If poor road design contributed to the crash, that’s something authorities should examine.

Speed and weight also play a role in crashes involving heavy trucks. Dump trucks carry significant loads, and their weight affects braking distance. If either truck was traveling too fast for conditions or carrying an unbalanced load, that could have made it harder for the driver to react in time to avoid the collision. Investigators should look into load records and speed data from both vehicles.

Finally, the fact that both trucks caught fire is another issue worth examining. Fires after crashes can be caused by ruptured fuel tanks, electrical sparks or cargo hazards. Investigators should determine whether the trucks were carrying flammable materials or if a mechanical issue contributed to the fire.

At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to determine exactly what led to this crash. But if authorities focus only on who hit whom without investigating why the trucks ended up in each other’s path — whether due to driver actions, road conditions or mechanical failure — they risk missing key details. A thorough investigation should take all possible factors into account to ensure a complete understanding of what went wrong.