safety
DPS investigates fatal Bell County highway crash
By Billy Banks at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
A Temple truck driver died Thursday after losing control of his vehicle while avoiding a detached tire on State Highway 36, Texas Department of Public Safety officials said.Jonathan Aaron Thomas, 42, was driving a 2013 Mack truck southeast on SH 36 when he swerved to avoid a tire that had come lo...
Key takeaway Jonathan Aaron Thomas, 42, was driving a 2013 Mack truck southeast on SH 36 when he swerved to avoid a tire that had come loose from a third vehicle's trailer, investigators said.
Why this matters in The Waco
The fatal crash on State Highway 36 is a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from unexpected hazards on our roads. As the Texas Department of Public Safety continues its investigation, local residents may be wondering about the prevalence of detached tires and other road debris on area highways. This incident also highlights the need for vigilance and caution when driving, particularly on routes like SH 36, which sees a significant amount of commercial truck traffic. The fact that the crash involved a head-on collision with a delivery truck underscores the potential consequences of losing control on a highway. With the Freightliner's driver hospitalized at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, the community will be watching for updates on her condition and the outcome of the DPS investigation. As the community mourns the loss of Jonathan Aaron Thomas, it is crucial to focus on road safety and the importance of maintaining vehicle equipment to prevent such tragedies.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Temple truck driver died Thursday after losing control of his vehicle while avoiding a detached tire on State Highway 36, Texas Department of Public Safety officials said.Jonathan Aaron Thomas, 42, was driving a 2013 Mack truck southeast on SH 36 when he swerved to avoid a tire that had come lo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Billy Banks at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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