A Houston family is grieving the loss of a cherished family member after a tragic accident at a construction site in Montgomery County. Francisco Malacara, a 61-year-old construction flagger, was fatally struck by a vehicle while on duty.
The incident occurred on Tuesday along FM 1484, where Malacara was performing his role when a 2008 white Lexus struck him. The Texas Department of Public Safety has reported that the driver remained at the scene and is currently not facing any charges.
Veronica Malacara, Francisco’s daughter, fondly remembered her father as “the life of the party,” always bringing joy and laughter to those around him, especially his grandchildren. The family is still reeling from the loss, particularly since they endured the passing of their mother just a few years prior. “No amount of money or sentence is going to bring him back,” expressed Javier Malacara, Francisco’s son. “You take a life and you go home, and we get nothing back,” added Veronica, emphasizing the emotional toll of the tragedy.
This incident shines a light on the increasing dangers faced by roadside workers. Bambi Hall, a Public Information Officer for TxDOT, shared alarming statistics from 2024: there were 28,000 work zone incidents reported across Texas, leading to over 800 serious injuries and more than 200 fatalities. “Houston is a city that’s full of construction,” Hall noted, urging drivers to remain vigilant while navigating work zones.
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, this tragedy serves as a critical reminder for motorists to be patient, stay aware of their surroundings, and watch for workers and equipment on the road.
The investigation into the crash is currently being led by Texas DPS, with officials confirming that the driver is cooperating with authorities. The exact circumstances leading to the accident are still under scrutiny.
