According to news reports, the victim was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Rodney Price.
March 5, 2019 – 10:15 pm: Nicholas Alan Blanchette, 24, was killed in a crash that took place late Tuesday night in Orange County, Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that Blanchette’s 2008 Honda was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler, causing both vehicles to catch fire.
Both vehicles were headed eastbound on Interstate 10, near FM 1136 at the time of the crash.
According to DPS, Blanchette’s Honda stalled while he was headed eastbound with the big rig behind him. The Honda’s lights weren’t functioning, so the big rig didn’t have the chance to stop before hitting the Honda.
A serious fire broke out, killing Blanchette. There is no information available on the condition of the truck driver.
Hazmat crews and investigators from DPS worked the scene for several hours, and the road was not fully reopened until about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
The cause of Blanchette’s stall and the reasons the truck driver was unable to stop in time are not clear at this moment. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing at this time.