Aaliyah Peinado Killed in Interstate 14 Wrong-Way Crash in Bell County

20-Year-Old Aaliyah Peinado Among Three Victims of Fatal Bell County Crash on Interstate 14 near Fort Hood T.J. Mills Off-Ramp

Bell County, Texas (July 18, 2022) – Aaliyah Marie Peinado, 20, of Nipomo, California, was one of the three people who died following a fiery wrong-way, head-on crash early Saturday morning in Bell County.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash happened at about 1:56 a.m. Saturday, July 16, on Interstate 14 near the Ft. Hood T.J. Mills exit.

DPS said a 2017 Toyota Corolla, driven by Matthew Fernandez, 22, of Fort Hood, Texas, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Interstate 14 when the Toyota collided head-on with 2013 Kia Optima, driven by a 20-year-old woman of Copperas Cove, Texas.

The Toyota caught on fire upon the impact. Bystanders stopped at the scene and tried to free Fernandez, but they were unsuccessful.

Two back seat passengers in the Kia, including Peinado, were pronounced dead at the scene. Fernandez also died at the scene.

The Kia driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Baylor Scott and White in Temple.

No further details about the crash were immediately provided. The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.