A Bedford van wreck that happened in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 14 ended in one fatality and at least seven injuries, authorities say.
At approximately 4:45 a.m., the driver of the van lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail on Highway 183 near Central Drive. Upon impact, the van flipped and ejected all nine passengers. The van then caught fire.
Police arrested the driver, 23-year-old Vivence Bugilimfura, at the scene under suspicions of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Two victims were transported via airlift to hospitals in Fort Worth, though Lynker Kabera, 21, passed away in the hospital.
Lt. David Smith, spokesperson for the Bedford police department, said that the group appeared to be traveling back to Dallas after a graduation party in Fort Worth.
The rest of the injured include: Cedric Somayire, 27; Bob Mansunzu, 24; Ornella Mugabo, 22; Sandra Ineza Niyibizi, 21; Christelle Gihozo; and Marie Blanche Gahozo.
Niyibizi is reportedly still in a coma.
This Fort Worth car crash is a tragic example of the importance of driving sober and obeying seat belt laws. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, seat belts saved 12,174 people from death in 2012. Campaigns like Click It or Ticket have helped encourage seat belt use within the state and reduce fatalities, but this isn’t a guarantee that drivers will act in their own best interests.
As holiday traffic thickens, the personal injury claims lawyers at Anderson Cummings would like to remind Dallas drivers that wearing a seat belt and driving responsibly can avert serious and fatal accidents. During the next week, take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.
To reduce the likelihood that you will be in a crash, have your vehicle inspected by a reputable shop or trusted mechanic. Be sure to perform any maintenance that might be required. Always drive defensively and never, ever get behind the wheel of a car if you are under the influence of alcohol.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an auto accident, contact the attorneys at Anderson & Cummings for a free review of your claim.
Call (817) 920-9000 to take the first step.