FATAL CRASH

McALLEN — A passenger riding in the cab of a semitrailer died after it rolled over on Expressway 83 near Jackson Road on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, which happened about 3 p.m., said McAllen police spokesman Sgt. Joel Morales.

The driver of the truck, which police say had Mexican license plates and was not towing a load, was transported to McAllen Medical Center.

The crash took place just in front of the Boggus Ford dealership near the on-ramp.

Expressway 83 westbound lanes between Sugar Road and Jackson Road were closed, as was the westbound frontage road between Business 83 and Jackson Avenue.

Traffic was diverted to Business 83 while emergency responders cleared the scene.

Police also closed the Expressway 83 on-ramp between Jackson and Sugar roads.

Morales said an autopsy has been ordered for the dead passenger. Mexican authorities must be notified of the crash before the names of the two men involved can be publicly released, he said.

It’s unclear whether slick roads due to Thursday’s rain showers played a role in the crash.

Morales said no other vehicles were involved.

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Ryan Holeywell covers PSJA and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-5135. For this and more on local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.