FORT WORTH (1080 KRLD)- There is a strong probability that the entire chain of events that led to a massive, fatal crash in Fort Worth Feb. 11 could have been recorded, says a Fort Worth State Representative.
The pile-up killed six and involved more than 130 vehicles when one after another barreled in to each other on an icy stretch of I-35 W.
The North Tarrant Express (NTE), which manages the closed lanes where the accident happened, has been under fire after allegations that it failed to properly treat the pavement.
In an e-mail to KRLD News, the NTE acknowledged there was a video recording showing that trucks had sprayed a brine on the same stretch of lanes some 40 hours before the crash. A follow-up e-mail inquiring whether the same camera could have recorded the crash, and help explain what happened, the NTE did not reply.
The same question was asked by Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero (D-Fort Worth).
"There's absolutely no question that camera rolled. It probably rolls 24/7. And if it rolls 24/7 all they had to do was to fast forward or rewind to that moment in time when those folks were sliding down the roadway." he said.
However, Romero says when he asked to see the recording he was told the NTE could not find it. Romero believes the recording may help bolster his contention that the lack of proper road treatment and the construction of the express lanes made it a death trap for the drivers.
Investigators say It could take weeks to sort out all the reports from the wreck. The Fort Worth police department is the lead agency, but other groups could conduct their own probes.
Police say it could take weeks to get statements from all of the witnesses and survivors. Sifting through the facts and getting to the bottom could take significantly longer
The National Transportation Safety Board says it is aware of the crash but has not yet opened an investigation.
"It is possible that we could look into it if the Office of Highway Safety determines it is appropriate." said Keith Holloway, NTSB Spokesman.
