Burlington, KY – November 17, 2025 – The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a devastating vehicle collision that occurred on Monday, November 17, 2025, just before 1 p.m. The crash, which involved two large dump trucks and a pickup truck, resulted in one fatality and prompted a major emergency response at the intersection of US Highway 42 and Bleu Yacht Lane in Burlington.
What Happened
At approximately 12:58 p.m., the Boone County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a serious multi-vehicle collision involving entrapment. Deputies quickly responded to the scene, and the Accident Reconstruction Unit, along with the Boone County Coroner, was also deployed to assist in the investigation.
Initial findings suggest the crash started when a 2019 Kenworth dump truck, traveling northbound on US 42, collided with the right rear passenger side of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado had slowed down and was attempting to stop when the dump truck struck it, despite attempts to brake and avoid the collision.
The force of the impact caused the Silverado to drift into the oncoming traffic lane, where it was then hit by a 2026 Western Star dump truck traveling southbound. Both dump trucks were fully loaded, which contributed to the severity of the collision.
Identification of the Victim
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, 75-year-old Hermon Lewis Estes Jr. of Covington, Kentucky, was tragically declared dead at the scene. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that his family has been notified of the loss.
Fortunately, there were no other occupants in any of the involved vehicles. Dash cam footage from both dump trucks is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Other Drivers Involved
One of the dump truck drivers was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence for medical assessment, while the other driver declined treatment at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Road Closure and Investigation
Due to the severity of the crash and the need for a thorough investigation, US Highway 42 at the intersection of Bleu Yacht Lane remains closed. Drivers in the area are being advised to take alternate routes while authorities continue their work to reconstruct the accident and clear the site.
Closing
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Preliminary findings show that the collision was caused by a combination of factors, including the fully loaded dump trucks and the fatal impact to the Silverado driver.
This story may be updated with more details as the investigation continues.
