ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — An Odessa-based trucking firm and one of its drivers are facing a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages after a two-semi crash earlier this month that ended with one of the trucks catching fire.

The crash happened on October 15 along Highway 285 near the Highway 302 interchange in Reeves County, according to the accident report. Investigators said Tony Gamia Barrientos, driving a semi for Truway Xpress LLC, failed to yield the right of way at a stop intersection and attempted to make a turn.

^{Field Diagram from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report}

As Barrientos entered the roadway, another semi driven by David Noel Montanez was unable to avoid a collision and crashed into Barrientos’ truck. The impact caused one of the semis to burst into flames, authorities said.

According to court filings, Montanez is suing both Truway Xpress LLC and Barrientos, alleging that the driver’s negligence caused the crash and that the trucking company failed to properly train its employee.

The lawsuit, filed in Ector County, seeks over $1 million in monetary relief for damages and injuries related to the crash.

According to First Alert 7, the case remains pending as investigations continue.

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