March 19, 2018 - U.S. Highway 84 at the intersection of State Highway 7 was the scene of a two-vehicle crash which had fatal results for one driver on March 17, 2018.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at 1:50pm on U.S. Highway 84 at the intersection of State Highway 7 East a black 2014 Chevrolet Camaro driven by John Ballinger, 52, of Joaquin was westbound on U.S. 84 approaching a traffic light.
A blue 2005 Freightliner owned by Cross 10 Energy of Joaquin and driven by Curtis Johnson, 31, of Center was slowing at the traffic light for a yellow light. The Camaro failed to control speed behind the Freightliner and struck the left rear of the trailer it was hauling.
The Camaro traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest next to the traffic light pole. The Freightliner came to a stop at the traffic light.
ACE EMS arrived at the scene and transported Ballinger to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for treatment; however, Ballinger succombed to his injuries and was deceased at the medical facility.
Johnson was not reported to have received any injuries resulting from the crash.
Joaquin Volunteer Firemen were first to respond on scene where they assisted DPS Troopers and ambulance personnel, while also diverting traffic from the location.
No further information is available at this time. The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS Trooper Sean Smith is investigating the crash, assisted by Troopers Cpl. Jimmy Faulkner and Michael Neal.
