BELTON, TEXAS — Texas officials have identified the driver killed in a two-vehicle crash that sent a trash truck into a Belton convenience store on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 50-year-old Vernon Richard Loechel of Belton was driving a 2010 Audi westbound on Farm-to-Market Road 439 when the crash occurred. A 2010 Peterbilt trash truck was traveling eastbound at the same time.
Audi Crossed Into Path of Trash Truck
Investigators said the Audi crossed into the eastbound lane and into the path of the Peterbilt, causing the collision.
The impact sent the trash truck across the westbound lane and into Lake Food Mart along FM 439. Earlier reports identified the truck as a Pure Sanitation Services trash truck.
Officials have not said why Loechel crossed into the eastbound lane.
Loechel was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Duffield. His family has been notified.
Truck Driver and Store Occupants Injured
The driver of the trash truck was taken to Baylor Scott & White with non-serious injuries.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office said two people who were inside the convenience store also suffered minor injuries.
Deputies and Texas DPS troopers responded to the crash around 12:30 p.m. Texas Highway Patrol, the Belton Police Department, Sparta Valley Fire Department, and Belton EMS also responded to the scene.
The roadway has since reopened.
Texas DPS is continuing to investigate the crash.
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