GoFundme account set for crash victims

A GoFundMe account has been established to help with funeral expenses for two Port Arthur brothers killed in a Sept. 10 crash in Calcasieu Parish. The crash reportedly happened just before 7 a.m.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Big Lake Road and West Tank Farm Road, claiming the lives of Cesar Samaniego, 28, and Jose Samaniego, 19.

Initial reports assert that a 2015 Kenworth 18-wheeler, driven by Albert Joseph Espree, 47, of Beaumont, failed to yield at the stop sign while headed east on West Tank Farm, according to Louisiana State Police Troop D spokesperson Derek Senegal.

Senegal noted the 18-wheeler crossed into the path of a 2021 Honda Civic headed south on Big Lake, and both vehicles drove off the road.

Jose Samaniego, who was properly restrained in the front passenger seat of the Civic, was pronounced dead at the scene and Cesar Samaniego, who was in the back seat, was brought to a local hospital, where he later died. Senegal reported he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Both drivers were properly restrained and had minor to moderate injuries, reported Senegal, who also added that toxicology samples were taken from both drivers.