Dallam County, TX — March 24, 2025, Mark Baucom was killed and Andrew Conley was injured in a truck accident at about 6:30 p.m. on U.S. Route 54.

Authorities said two semi-trucks collided head-on southwest of Stratford.

Missouri resident Mark Baucom, 63, died at the scene of the crash, while Alabama resident Andrew Conley, 36, was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries. according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Dallam County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When two semi-trucks collide head-on, that’s not just a high-impact crash: it’s a breakdown of some of the most basic rules of the road. These are professional drivers operating vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The margin for error is small, and the consequences of even a single mistake are enormous. That’s why a crash like this demands close attention: not just to what happened, but to why it happened.

Right now, we know that the crash occurred on U.S. Route 54, southwest of Stratford, and involved a head-on collision between two 18-wheelers. What we don’t know yet is which vehicle crossed the center line or whether one of the trucks was attempting a pass, reacting to a road hazard or simply lost control. Each of those possibilities points to a very different kind of failure.

In my experience, one of the first things a proper investigation should look at is whether fatigue, distraction or speed played a role. These factors come up frequently in commercial truck crashes, especially in rural areas where drivers may be on long hauls and let their guard down. Investigators should be reviewing electronic logging device (ELD) data, GPS history and cell phone records to determine if either driver was violating hours-of-service limits or using a device at the time of the crash.

Another key consideration is the condition of the vehicles themselves. Was there a mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout or brake issue, that caused one driver to veer off course? Were both trucks maintained properly? These are all questions that can only be answered through a thorough forensic review, not just a surface-level inspection at the crash scene.

And while driver error is often a contributing factor, it’s also worth looking into how the trucking companies that employed these men trained and supervised them. Did they conduct proper evaluations? Were the drivers familiar with the route? Were they under pressure to meet a deadline that encouraged risky decisions? Those are the kinds of behind-the-scenes realities that can turn a routine haul into a deadly encounter.

Ultimately, when two professionals operating massive vehicles collide head-on, it's not enough to say, “One truck crossed the line.” The real issue is what led to that failure: what warning signs were missed, what policies were in place and what corners may have been cut. Because until we understand those decisions, we won’t understand what really caused this crash.