22-Year-Old Joshua Smith Among 3 Victims Killed in Bell County Crash on Interstate 14 near Fort Hood T.J. Mills Exit

Bell County, Texas (July 18, 2022) – Joshua Smith, 22, of Copperas Cove, Texas, has been identified as one of the three people who were killed early Saturday morning in a wrong-way, head-on crash in Bell County.

The tragic accident happened at about 1:56 a.m. Saturday, July 16, on Interstate 14 near the Ft. Hood T.J. Mills exit, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

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

The Toyota caught on fire upon the impact. Good Samaritans tried to free Fernandez, but they were unsuccessful.

Fernandez died at the scene. Smith, who was riding in the back seat of the Kia, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Another rear seat passenger in the Kia also died in the crash. 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.