Texas Tech student burned in I-27 crash, intoxication assault charge

A 19-year-old Texas Tech student suffered catastrophic burns on Sept. 7 after a vehicle driven by a man charged with intoxication assault struck the rear of his SUV on Interstate 27 in Hale County, sending it airborne and igniting the car, authorities and the victim’s family said. Aidan Poole was transported to a burn unit in Lubbock with severe, lifechanging injuries and is expected to undergo multiple surgeries, his family and a fundraising page set up on his behalf say.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the Porsche involved, driven by 44-year-old Thomas Rich, was traveling at an excessive rate of speed when it hit Poole’s SUV from behind. The force of the collision reportedly lofted the SUV into the air and, upon landing, the vehicle’s gas tank exploded and erupted into flames. Rich and a 44-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries; the passenger was later released from a hospital. Hale County authorities arrested Rich and charged him with intoxication assault. He later posted bail, and Poole’s family said they expect additional charges.

Poole, a sophomore honors student studying physics, math and German, was returning to campus after petsitting for his parents in...