Wrong-Way Crash on I-40 Near Vega Claims Three Lives, Including 11-Year-Old Boy
VEGA, Texas – A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 has claimed the lives of three people, including an 11-year-old boy, leaving a family and community heartbroken.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred around 6:35 p.m. Monday, approximately one mile west of Vega in Oldham County. Investigators say the chain of events began when the driver of a big rig veered onto the shoulder of the highway and struck the back of another semi-truck that was parked and unoccupied.
The impact forced the moving semi to continue across the eastbound lanes, through the center median, and into the path of oncoming westbound traffic. Tragically, the truck collided head-on with a Honda Pilot SUV carrying three people.
The victims have been identified as Ronald Momyer, 62, and Julie Momyer, 61, both of Mesa, Arizona, who were traveling together with their 11-year-old grandson. Ronald and Julie Momyer were pronounced dead at the scene.
The 11-year-old boy was rushed to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo with critical injuries before being airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he later succumbed to his injuries.
All three victims were members of the same family, turning a tragic highway accident into an unimaginable personal loss.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, examining whether factors such as fatigue, mechanical failure, or driver error may have played a role in the semi-truck’s sudden veer onto the shoulder.
The deadly wreck forced a temporary closure of sections of I-40 as crews worked to clear debris and investigators documented the scene.
The loss of the Momyer family members has left loved ones in Arizona and beyond in mourning. Ronald and Julie were remembered as devoted grandparents, and the death of their young grandson adds immeasurable grief to an already devastating tragedy.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of large truck accidents and the catastrophic consequences that can unfold in a matter of seconds on busy highways.