by Noel Brennan
LACY-LAKEVIEW - A construction worker from Houston was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by an 18-wheeler in a construction zone on I-35.
Just after 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, Manuel DeJesus Rivas, 42, was working to put up a sign near the Crest Drive Exit off I-35 in Lacy-Lakeview, just north of Waco. Investigators with the Department of Public Safety said that's when he was hit by an 18-wheeler. Witnesses said the driver of the semi continued to travel northbound.
"The loss of one life, the injury of one person, be it one of our traveling public, or one of our workers, one of our TxDot employees, is unacceptable," said TxDot spokesman, Ken Roberts.
Several agencies helped search for the 18-wheeler, including officers from West and Hillsboro police departments along with sheriff's deputies from McLennan and Hill counties.
DPS investigators are also keeping an eye out for a 90's model Ford pickup truck. Witnesses reported the driver of the pickup tried to flag down the 18-wheeler following the accident. Investigators think the driver of the pickup might have important information about the semi.
Meanwhile, TxDot spokesman Ken Roberts stressed the distinction between work zones and the open road. He urged drivers to slow down and keep their eyes open.
"The majority of the time, it's speed and inattention that results in our work zone crashes, injuries and fatalities," Roberts explained. "We want people to be aware and to take [these] things to heart."
After this morning's accident, Manuel DeJesus Rivas was rushed to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His body has since been sent to Dallas for an autopsy.
If you have any information about Tuesday morning's accident, call DPS anytime at 254-759-7131.
