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Fatal Car Crash Near Caldwell Save Email Print
Posted: 7:23 PM Sep 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:53 AM Sep 8, 2008
 Reporter: KBTX Staff
Email Address: news@kbtx.com
20 comments
A | A | A

Two men are dead and another injured after their vehicles hit head on just south of Caldwell.

The accident happened on Highway 36, south of Highway 21 at 3:37 Sunday afternoon.

Authorities say an out of control Lexus crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a truck.

The driver of the Lexus was a 23 year old man from Somerville. Troopers say he was not wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the truck, 49 year old Ronald Knipstein of Brenham also died at the scene.

A passenger in the Lexus, 17 year old Padilla Santos was flown to Scott and White and is expected to live.

A third vehicle was hit by flying debris.

The driver, Manuela Baez of Killeen was taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Caldwell and is in good condition.
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Posted by: HWY 36 DRIVER Location: Caldwell on Sep 11, 2008 at 07:41 AM
I drive this Hwy every morning. I was affraid something like this might happen. People driving this hwy get in a rush and will be bumper to bumper behind you pretty much pushing you onto the shoulder. I have even had 18 wheelers do this! It makes me very nervous especially on a bridge or sharp curve. Hopefully this will wake people that do this up, and let them know how dangerous it is. Passing this area every day gives me an uneasy feeling. Please be patient and safe. My prayers are with each of the families involved in this.
Posted by: Hey TJ Location: Caldwell on Sep 10, 2008 at 03:25 PM
You just need to grow up sonny
Posted by: The Big L on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I used to work at the hospital in Caldwell years ago...we were always getting patients from wrecks on 36, sounds like it's still a sorry road. We'd get a lot of drunks involved in wrecks coming from those bars out that way...bloody ol'36, we called it.
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:03 AM
People just need desperately to slow down and stop trying to always be ahead of everyone else. This is a senseless loss of life and family, on both sides. I pray for the families of both.
Posted by: anonymous Location: brenham on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Ronalds visitation will be Wed night 6-8 and the funeral Thur 10am at St Peter's church, Gay Hill. Memorial Oaks is taking care of the arrangements
Posted by: darla Location: north zulch on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I went to school with Ronald and have known his whole family for years--he is an awesome person and will greatly missed.My husband died in an accident 21 yrs ago and his family was there for me--my heart goes out to cuz i have walked in your shoes--God Bless each and every one of you.
Posted by: To LB on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:42 PM
I share your feelings in terms of this was a terrible accident etc., but the "breakdown" lane as you put it is actually called the shoulder, and if a vehicle goes there to let you pass, although it is risky it is a lawful pass. There are several instances where a driver can operate the vehicle on the shoulder. Again though, I feel for the families involved. Everyone be careful please!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:56 PM
FYI TJ - They are called crashes. The term "accident" is no longer used by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Posted by: DeeDee Location: Houston on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Does anyone know about funeral arrangements for Ron yet?
Posted by: Alex Location: Bryan on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Was the driver that caused the accident here legally?
Posted by: LB Location: Round Rock on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:06 AM
We came upon this wreck yesterday and it was very chilling. We travel this road every weekend and see vechiles trying to pass all the time. It is a nice gesture when someone pulls over in the "break down" lane to let you pass, however that is not a legal lane. The speed limit on that raod is 70 mph, really now dont you think that is fast enough with all those curves? And to the lady behind is who was honking for us to move forward even though debris was scattered everywhere... I hope you got a good look and I sure hope your daughter doesnt learn from you, you have to be one of the most inconsiderate people I have ever run across. If you drive this road every weekend like we do please think of others before trying to get that one car length ahead. My prayers are with both famailies
Posted by: TJ Location: Caldwell on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:51 AM
I was just wondering, I know why they call car accidents..accidents, but what if the crash is on purpose?...do they call it an "on purpose".
Posted by: Bobby T II Location: Brenham on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:32 PM
The man in the truck was a DADDY to me and as I sit here sending this I still can not believe that Ron is gone.......... Such a hard working man to take care of the precious family he had. He loved poeple.Mostly his wife,children, and grandchildren that he was SO VERY proud of ..... HE WILL DEEPLY MISSED . I LOVE YOU RON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Well the passenger of the lexus smelled of alcohol when we got him out of the car. It was horrible and thank goodness we came to a stop before hitting the lexus on the passenger side.
Posted by: Broken Chains Music Ministry Location: Milam County on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Unfortunately we saw this wreck as we were coming from playing a church outside of Houston. The accident scene was horrible. Our prayers go out to the families and may some sort of comfort in this time of sorrow. It just goes to show us that we never know the time...hour, minute, second when our lives may change in an instant. There are entirely too many distraction for the driver...cell phone, cd's, etc. Every time we get behind a wheel of a car, we must know we are to be alert and know that we are to watch out for others as we watch out for ourselves. Hug your families and tell them you love them...you never know if it is the last time you will get that chance. Keep the families uplifted and in your prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:23 PM
What kind of truck was it?
Posted by: Jv Location: Bryan on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Omg this is horrible! Anon @ 07:35, I agree with you, and something else I wish TXDOT would do, is to put a turning lanes..so that you dont have to sit in the middle of those 2 lane highways, waiting to turn, I always worry about someone hitting me from behind in those situations. And, Kyle, they probably have not released the names yet,
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:47 PM
It is a terrible road, however sometimes its not all the roadways, its drivers as well. Prayers to the families for their loss.
Posted by: kyle Location: caldwell on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:06 PM
who was it
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:35 PM
wow,I saw both vechiles that were involvned in this horrible accident....that hwy is extremely dangerious...i sure wish that on every two lane hwy's the transportation dept's could divide the lanes from inbound and outbound...I hate driving when lanes are not divided...my heart goes out to the families that had to endure such a terrible incident.
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