A tragic accident in Lampasas County, Texas, on August 14 claimed the lives of five people, including a 17-year-old girl and her parents. The crash occurred when the rear tire of a Cadillac driven by 31-year-old Jacinto Gudino Duran blew out, causing the vehicle to swerve into oncoming traffic and collide with a Kia carrying the Arvind family. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and all occupants were killed instantly.
“This is one of the worst crashes I have seen in 26 years because of the magnitude of the damage and the number of lives lost,” said Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Arvind family was en route to the University of Texas-Dallas to move their daughter, Andril Arvind, into her dorm for the start of her freshman year. Andril, a recent graduate of Rouse High School, was known for her bright spirit and involvement in the school’s rhythm dance team. She was set to study computer science.
Jacinto Gudino Duran, the driver of the Cadillac, was reportedly speeding before the crash. His passenger, Yosilu Gasman Martinez, 23, also lost his life. The tragic collision has left the Arvind family’s 14-year-old son, Adiryan, as the sole surviving member of the immediate family. Adiryan, who had just started ninth grade, is now living with his uncle in Austin.
The community has rallied around Adiryan, with a GoFundMe campaign set up to support him during this difficult time. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the profound impact of such tragedies.
Lampasas County, where the crash took place, is located approximately 85 miles northwest of Austin. The accident underscores the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences that can result from high-speed driving.