Update (January 29, 2026): Authorities have identified the man killed in this accident as Bessemer resident Ashley William Jones, 46.

Bessemer, AL — January 28, 2026, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 3:20 a.m. in the 1500 block of State Route 150.

Authorities said a semi-truck caught fire after veering off the road and into some trees when it apparently hit a patch of ice.

The driver, whose name has not been made public yet, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Jefferson County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a truck crashing into trees and catching fire in the middle of the night, they naturally wonder how does something like that happen? And could it have been prevented?

According to early reports, the 18-wheeler may have lost control after hitting a patch of ice. If true, that still leaves key questions unanswered. For example, how fast was the truck going? Was the driver properly trained to handle icy conditions? And what steps did the trucking company take to ensure the vehicle was safe to operate in winter weather?

Depending on whether the ice was widespread or limited to one section of the road, different questions arise. If it was just one patch, was it a known trouble spot? Had other vehicles reported issues there? Did the driver react too late, or was there even time to react?

These are not just idle questions. In my experience, the truth doesn’t lie in guesses. It lives in evidence. The truck’s engine control module (its "black box") could tell us how fast the vehicle was going and whether the driver hit the brakes before losing control. Dash cam footage, if available, might show road conditions or the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to the crash.

There’s also the matter of the driver’s history. Was this someone with experience in winter driving or someone new to the job? Did the trucking company do its due diligence before hiring? I’ve handled cases where the company put an inexperienced or unqualified driver behind the wheel just to fill a seat, and people paid the price.

All of these unknowns make one thing clear: if we want answers, someone has to go get them. And that means a thorough investigation; not just of the crash itself, but of the policies, people and decisions behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways:

• Reports say the crash may have been caused by ice, but key facts — like speed and reaction time — remain unknown.
• The truck’s black box and any dash cams could offer vital evidence about what actually happened.
• Driver training, experience and hiring practices may be relevant depending on the conditions.
• A full investigation should examine not just the crash but the company's role in preventing, or failing to prevent, it.
• Accountability depends on evidence, not assumptions.