Some crashes raise questions. This one raises a lot of them.
What started as a crash response in Fort Worth, Texas, quickly turned into something far more serious once first responders noticed a suspicious liquid inside the vehicle.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, officers and fire crews responded Thursday morning to a crash near Delga Street involving a moving vehicle and a parked car.
By the time it was over, two men were dead, a firefighter had been sent to the hospital, and investigators were dealing with hundreds of pounds of a suspicious substance inside the vehicle.
What Happened
Police say the vehicle struck an unoccupied parked car before continuing a short distance and coming to a stop. Police said one man was found deceased in the passenger area, and the driver was also pronounced dead at the scene. Both occupants of the vehicle died.
No information about the identities of the two men was included in the initial release.
What Was Inside the Vehicle
During the investigation, firefighters discovered a large amount of the liquid inside the vehicle. Police say they found ten white plastic buckets filled with it, which later tested presumptive positive for liquid methamphetamine.
The total estimated weight was about 480 pounds, with a potential street value between $1 million and $3 million. Officials said the fumes were strong but remained contained within the vehicle.
Cause of Death Still Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash or the deaths. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.
At this stage, police have not said whether the crash itself, a medical issue, or exposure to the chemicals played a role.
Firefighter Treated After Exposure
One firefighter on scene was transported to a local hospital after exposure during the response. Officials say the firefighter is expected to be released and is in good condition.
The Internet Did What the Internet Does
As details spread, the reactions online came fast and covered just about every angle.
Some went straight to dark humor: “Sometimes the problem solves itself.” “I guess they methed around and found out.” “Don’t get high on your own supply.”
Others leaned into pop culture, with more than a few references to Breaking Bad. “Breaking Bad led me to believe it would be blue.” “What in the Walter White is going on?”
A lot of people tried to make sense of what actually happened inside the vehicle. “So was it the impact that killed them, or the fumes?” “How do you even dispose of something like that?” “Were they in the parked car or the one that hit it?”
And then there were the comments that landed somewhere in between, mixing humor with a dose of reality. “480 pounds only brings 3 million street value?” “That could have been a lot worse if those buckets didn’t stay contained.”
A Situation That Could Have Been Much Worse
Two people are dead. A firefighter was sent to the hospital. And hundreds of pounds of a hazardous substance were being transported through a city street inside a passenger vehicle.
In this case, it stayed contained. That is not always how these situations end.