Texas Tow Operator Killed While Assisting Stuck Tractor-Trailer in El Paso

A tow operator was killed May 2, in El Paso, Texas, as he attempted to free a tractor-trailer combination that had become stuck on a street in West El Paso.

El Paso Police said the trailer’s landing legs became stuck on a sidewalk as truck driver Joel Ramirez, 61, attempted to turn onto North Mesa Street.  Operator Carlos Olague, 59, who worked for AD Towing & Recovery of El Paso, responded to the scene and as he worked to dislodge the trailer, he was positioned between the trailer’s rear axles. There was a “miscommunication” between Ramirez and Olague, and Ramirez drove the tractor-trailer forward, police said.

The trailer’s rear tires rolled over Olague’s right leg. The operator was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

AD Towing & Recovery issued a statement announcing the loss of Carlos “Flaco” Olague, saying he will be greatly missed by many.