Update (January 10, 2025): Authorities have identified the man killed in this crash as Ryan Rena Stewart, 25. No additional details have been released at this time.

Arlington, TX — January 4, 2025, one person was killed after a truck accident at about 2 a.m. on Interstate 20 near South Cooper Street.

Authorities said a 2024 Hyundai Elantra was headed east when crashed into the back of a semi-truck and caught fire.

The car was engulfed in flames when emergency personnel arrived on the scene, according to authorities.

The driver, whose name has not been released at this point, was pronounced dead after the fire was extinguished, authorities said. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

The crash is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

My first question when reading about a crash like this one is why the car was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision. Rear-end crashes involving large commercial vehicles often point to issues of visibility, following distance and driver attentiveness, but the subsequent fire raises additional concerns about vehicle safety.

One key aspect to investigate is the speed and behavior of the Hyundai Elantra before the crash. Highways at 2 a.m. typically have lighter traffic, but reduced visibility and potential driver fatigue can increase the likelihood of errors. Investigators will need to review evidence such as skid marks, dashcam footage or data from the vehicle’s black box to understand the car’s movements leading up to the collision.

The semi-truck’s role also deserves scrutiny, particularly regarding its visibility. Was the truck equipped with functioning taillights and reflective markings? These features are required by law and are critical for alerting approaching vehicles to the truck’s presence, especially at night. A lack of proper lighting could make it difficult for other drivers to see and react in time.

The fire adds another layer of complexity to this crash. Investigators should examine whether the car’s design or a potential mechanical failure contributed to the fire. Fuel system design flaws, for instance, can make vehicles more prone to catching fire in collisions. Additionally, the crash’s severity may have been influenced by the truck’s position — such as whether the rear underride guard, designed to prevent vehicles from sliding under the trailer, was functioning as intended.

Finally, it’s important to consider whether environmental factors, such as road conditions, lighting or weather, played a role. Limited visibility, poorly lit roadways or slick pavement could have contributed to the car’s inability to avoid the collision.

Crashes like this highlight the need for thorough investigations into all aspects of the incident, including driver behavior, vehicle condition, and roadway environment. Understanding these factors is essential to determining accountability and identifying measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.