Victim in fatal Belton semi truck accident identified

BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) - The victim who died after a Pure Sanitation Services trash truck crashed through a Belton convenience store on Wednesday afternoon has been identified. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Troopers responded to a report of a fatal crash involving a passenger vehicle and a trash truck at approximately 12:26 p.m. A 2010 Audi, driven by 50-year-old Vernon Richard Loechel, of Belton, was traveling westbound on FM-439. A 2010 Peterbilt trash truck was traveling eastbound approaching the Audi. According to the investigating Trooper, for reasons unknown, the Audi crossed into the eastbound lane and into the path of the Peterbilt, causing a collision. The impact caused the Peterbilt to cross over the westbound lane and crash into the Lake Food Mart, located at 3358 FM-439. DPS says Loechel was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield. The driver of the Peterbilt was transported to Baylor Scott & White with non-incapacitating injuries. The crash investigation remains active and ongoing. Next of kin have been notified. The Bell County Sheriff's Office said patrons of the Lake Food Mart had minor injuries and were not transported by EMS. FM-439 was closed to both east and westbound traffic as the crash scenewas cleared. Travelers were told to seek alternate routes.