Police ID Driver Killed In South Austin Tractor Trailer Crash

SOUTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police on Tuesday identified the driver killed after colliding with a tractor trailer in the southern part of the county last week.

The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Oct. 17 along the 1200 block of FM 1327. A preliminary police investigation showed that a silver, 2002 Nissan was traveling westbound along the roadway as a white, 1992 Peterbilt tractor trailer was traveling in the opposite direction. For unknown reasons, the Nissan drifted to the left an into the eastbound lanes.

As a result of the impact, the tractor trailer pulled to the right in an attempt to avoid the crash but was struck by the Nissan. The driver of the Nissan, John Herrera, 61, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police continue their investigation. In the meantime, police ask for anyone with information regarding the incident to call detectives at (512) 974-3761. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked Austin’s 59th fatal traffic crash of 2018, resulting in 60 fatalities this year. At this time last year, there were 53 fatal traffic crashes and 55 traffic fatalities.

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