NTSB report blames meth use for crash in Andrews that killed nine
“Impairment from methamphetamine use” was determined to be the cause of the crash that claimed the lives of nine people, including members of the University of Southwest golf team on March 15, 2022, in Andrews.
According to the final report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, it was determined that the 38-year-old driver of the pickup crossed into the oncoming lane, colliding with the van carrying members of the golf team. The report indicates the pickup driver was at fault.
A 2021 graduate of Pleasanton High School, Travis Garcia, 19, was among the university students who were killed. He was a freshman.
In the 15-page final report, NTSB provided a summary of the pickup driver’s driving record, who previously was identified as Henrich Siemans,
38, of Seminole County. In the 10 years preceding the fatal collision, he had 23 traffic violations, according to the report. He also had a “driving-while-intoxicated violation” from 2006 and was involved in a crash in 2012.
The postmortem toxicology testing of the pickup driver found both methamphetamine and amphetamine in his blood.
“In 2021, about 60% of roadway fatalities in the United States were attributed to speeding and/or alcohol impairment,” the NTSB noted.
The crash occurred
March 12, 2022, on Farmto-market Road 1788, approximately a half-mile north of Texas 115 in Andrews County.
According to the NTSB’S report, the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup was traveling southbound, crossed the centerline of traffic and then collided nearly headon with the northbound 2017 Ford Transit 350 van. The impact of the collision began a fire that consumed both the van and the pickup. Seven occupants of the van and two occupants of the pickup died and two van passengers were also seriously injured.