The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was called to a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday in Potter County, resulting in the death of one person.
At approximately 5:40 a.m., Clarito Ortiz, 48, of Amarillo, was driving a 2002 Dodge Caravan eastbound on US highway 60 approximately 2 miles northeast of Amarillo. Jason Juvenal, 39, of Tulia, Texas, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Venture eastbound on US highway 60 behind the Dodge Caravan. The vehicles collided forcing the Chevrolet into the center median and then back across the eastbound lanes and into the south barrow ditch. The Chevrolet continued to travel south through a barbed wire fence and onto a set of rail road tracks where the vehicle caught fire and completely burned. Juvenal was able to get out of the burning vehicle. The Dodge was forced off of the roadway into the south barrow ditch where it struck a pipe fence and rolled over causing the death of Ortiz.
The contributing factor is still under investigation.
Ortiz was pronounced dead on scene by the Potter County Justice of the Peace, Richard Herman.
Juvenal was transported to the hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.
Juvenal and Ortiz were both wearing seat-belts.
The road conditions were dry and no other vehicles were involved.
(News release from the Texas DPS, Amarillo District)
