Trussville community grieves family lost in I-59 semi-truck crash
By Kayla Davis
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TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WVTM) — A semi-truck crash in a construction zone on I-59 in Trussville has left a family devastated and the community in mourning, with three family members killed and three children hospitalized.
The crash occurred in an area with narrow lanes and a concrete barrier, making it difficult for vehicles, especially large trucks, to maneuver. Local truck driver Derek Johnson said the tragedy hit close to home.
“It threw me off because I drive a truck and I be telling drivers how dangerous it is. So it really threw me off to see somebody lose their life driving just traveling,” Johnson said.
The victims were identified as Dquarious and Dominique Butler and their 5-year-old daughter, Nailani. The family leaves behind three other children.
“I was hurt because I have little ones. And I couldn’t imagine my whole family lost in a car crash like that,” said Trussville resident Lafeedra Lee.
Lee also shared her concerns about her 22-year-old son, who recently obtained his commercial driver’s license.
“He is 22, and he got a CDL last year. So I’m very fearful first of him hitting somebody because he’s so young and not to me, not educated enough, hasn’t had enough experience. Also, just people in general are not very careful. And then it’s so much construction everywhere. It’s so easy to get in an accident,” Lee said.
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 11,009 out of 260,401 crashes reported in Alabama in 2024 involved trucks. In work zones, 21% of crashes resulted in injury or death.
“It’s too often, especially around here,” Lee said.
Johnson also highlighted the dangers truck drivers face daily.
“That’s one of the most dangerous jobs. People die on the road every day. So it’s really no way to be safe. You can only watch yourself when people drive so crazy. That’s what a lot of drivers don’t understand. You could cut in front of a truck. It’s too long to stop. So you’re putting people’s lives at risk every day,” Johnson said.
Both Lee and Johnson expressed their condolences to the Butler family. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing its investigation into the crash, with no updates provided at this time.
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