Temple, TX : Temple truck driver dies in Kansas accident on February, Tuesday 13th 2018

A Temple man died Tuesday morning in Kansas when the 18-wheeler he drove left the road, hit an embankment, rolled and caught fire.

Andrew Thomas Sawyer, 58, was headed southbound in a 2010 Freightliner at about 8:32 a.m. on the Kansas Turnpike, the Kansas Highway Patrol said. The accident happened south of Emporia, northeast of Wichita.

Sawyer was the only person in the truck, which was hauling plastic products for Downing Transportation out of Troy.

He was hired by Downing Transportation on Aug. 29, 2016, but the owner, Douglas Downing, had known him for at least 30 years, Downing said.

“He was an outstanding guy, through and through,” Downing said.

Downing has spoken with the members of Sawyer’s family, who are Central Texas residents, he said.

It’s unknown what caused Sawyer’s tractor-trailer to leave the road.

The fire from the 18-wheeler sparked grass fires that were spread by gusty winds. Several fire departments responded to the area, along with law enforcement agencies.

The accident is still under investigation.


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Temple truck driver dies in Kansas accident