The early-morning commute on I-35W turned deadly yesterday when a sedan slammed into the back of a cement truck near County Road 604 in Alvarado, killing the car's only occupant.
The crash happened shortly before 4:30 a.m. According to police, the driver of the sedan was rushed to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The Alvarado Police Department said its investigators remained on scene for hours, offered condolences to the victim's family, and noted that the cause of the wreck is still under investigation.
How the crash unfolded
Investigators said the sedan was speeding northbound on Interstate 35W when it struck the rear of the cement truck. The truck driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers as they worked through the debris and tried to piece together what happened.
All northbound lanes of I-35W at County Road 604 were shut down while emergency crews responded, cleared the mangled vehicles and conducted their on-site investigation, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Medical examiner to identify the victim
Police told reporters that the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will publicly release the victim's name once the closest legal next of kin have been notified.
The medical examiner's public FAQ explains that identification can be made visually or through fingerprint, dental or DNA comparison, and that in more complex cases, the process, and ultimately the release of remains, can take longer, per the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office.
Investigation and local impact
The Alvarado Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and stated that it "extends its sincere condolences to the family," according to reporting by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The closure of all northbound lanes of I-35W triggered significant delays through the morning commute as drivers were forced to detour and crews worked to get the highway back open.
Authorities have not yet released the decedent's name. The medical examiner will make the identification public after next-of-kin notification. This story will be updated as officials release additional details.
