The National Weather Service reported wind gusts between 55 and 63 miles per hour through the region that saw numerous accidents, including a multi-car pileup that resulted in two deaths.
Garza County law enforcement began receiving reports of the major accident on U.S. 84 north of Post on Thursday. The calls continued as the pileup grew.
Snyder resident Sammie Jarrell got caught in the storm while traveling to Levelland from Snyder. She reached Post around 3 p.m. and was greeted with a cloud of sand.
“There was just blowing dust. Lots of dust,” she said.
Jarrell said that the visibility was not too limited as she entered Post, but once through to the north side, the visibility became much worse. Drivers were not allowed to continue the ascent at the Caprock and law enforcement officers diverted traffic near the Post rodeo grounds.
“I tried the Tahoka highway and finally got on top of the cap. The visibility was so bad there I decided to turn around and come back home,” said Jarrell.
The fatal crash occurred approximately six miles north of Post on U.S. 84 and involved a Freightliner that had stopped on the highway after striking another vehicle from behind moments earlier.
A Peterbilt 18-wheeler, driven by Luis Guzman, 55, of Lovington, N.M., also was traveling northbound and struck the Freightliner from behind. Guzman and wife Tomasa Guzman, 55, were ejected from the vehicle.
Luis Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene and Tomasa died while en route to University Medical Center in Lubbock.
The 18-wheeler crash resulted in additional crashes for other drivers who followed, according to DPS Trooper Cpl. John Gonzalez.
“The wreck of the two 18-wheelers resulted in a domino effect for the cars that followed. The visibility was down to zero and the other drivers were not able to see anything,” Gonzales said.
Initial reports estimated 20 to 30 cars involved in the crash. However, Gonzalez reported that 15 to 20 would be a closer estimate. He further stated that the total number of victims with injuries serious enough to require transport to emergency facilities was 11.
“The total number of victims transported was 11. Six were taken to University Medical Center and five were transported to Covenant Medical Center. Fortunately many were treated and released,” he said.
The DPS spokesman said there were no Scurry County residents involved in the mishap.
Snyder law enforcement officers and emergency personnel responded to the request from Garza County for assistance. Crosby, Lynn, Borden and Terry Counties also responded.
“We would like to express our appreciation to Scurry County and all the law enforcement and emergency personnel who responded so quickly. The visibility was so low and they actually put themselves in danger to help with traffic control. Their assistance was invaluable,” Gonzalez said.