18-wheeler crash claims lives of 2 Port Arthur men

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Two Port Arthur men are dead after a crash at the intersection of Big Lake Road and West Tank Farm Road Thursday morning.

The crash claimed the lives of Jose Samaniego, 19, and Cesar Samaniego, 28.

The crash happened just before 7 a.m. A 2015 Kenworth 18-wheeler, driven by Albert Joseph Espree, 47, of Beaumont, failed to yield at the stop sign while headed east on West Tank Farm, Louisiana State Police Troop D spokesperson Derek Senegal said.

The 18-wheeler crossed into the path of a 2021 Honda Civic headed south on Big Lake, and both vehicles drove off the road, Senegal said.

Jose Samaniego, who was in the front passenger seat of the Civic, was pronounced dead at the scene, Senegal said. He was properly restrained.

Cesar Samaniego, who was in the back seat, was brought to a local hospital, where he later died. Senegal said he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Both drivers were properly restrained and had minor to moderate injuries, Senegal said.

Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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