Fatal Hays CISD Bus Crash Leads to Concrete Truck Driver’s Arrest
In a distressing turn of events, the driver of the concrete truck that was implicated in the fatal Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) school bus crash was arrested and charged with criminal negligent homicide.
Jerry Hernandez, 42-years-old, was taken into custody on Friday following an arrest warrant for the aforementioned charge along with an unrelated bond violation from Hays County.
Driver Expected in Court
Court documentation reveals that Hernandez admitted to have only slept for three hours the night preceding the catastrophe, as well as using cocaine hours prior to the crash. The incident took place on March 22 and resulted in the death of two individuals, while injuring several others.
Fatalities and Casualties
The deceased have been identified as Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, a 5-year-old student, and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace. The heart-breaking video records from the incident disclose that the truck infringed into the bus’s thoroughfare, leading the bus to veer off path and subsequently, capsize.
Prior Charges
Hays County court archives divulge Hernandez was previously charged in January 2024 with criminal mischief and assault linked to family violence.
Consequences of Negligence
This calamitous incident brings to light the severe consequences that can occur due to negligent conduct like impaired driving. The loss of innocent lives and dozens injured is an irrefutable proof. The community at large is left grieving and hoping for better regulations to prevent such instances in the future.