Before one Texas truck driver probably even had eaten his turkey for Thanksgiving, he got too tired to be behind the wheel. Sources report that on Thursday morning, a man caused a truck accident when he nodded off while driving.

That alleged negligence caused a ripple effect on the Texas roadway. At least one woman, a volunteer firefighter, lost an arm to the aftermath of the wreck. The truck was carrying oil, and when it crashed off of the road, the collision caused a dangerous explosion that disrupted many people's days and commutes.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the truck explosion meant that authorities needed to close down the road and reroute traffic. Also, people in homes nearby the accident had to be evacuated from their homes.

It was when another truck was trying to turn around that the volunteer firefighter sustained her severe injury. The trucker apparently didn't see her and ran her over. Her arm was amputated at the hospital. She also sustained injuries to her fingers and a head injury.

Sources don't disclose more details about the truckers in this case or whether either one will face criminal or civil charges.

This story provides a perfect, tragic example of how careless driving does not happen in a vacuum. One person's decision to drive while fatigued not only rerouted traffic and pushed people out of their homes. It forever changed the life of the female firefighter who now has to live without one of her limbs.

Source

Houston Chronicle: "Firefighter loses arm in tanker accident," Nov. 26, 2011