A devastating crash in Kaufman County, Texas, has left five people dead and several others injured in what officials are calling a mass casualty incident.
The crash occurred around 2:40 p.m. on Saturday in the westbound lanes of I-20, just east of Hiram Road. Authorities report that seven vehicles were involved, including three 18-wheelers and four passenger vehicles.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), traffic had been backed up due to an earlier crash when the driver of a truck-tractor reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. That vehicle slammed into a Ford F-150 carrying five passengers.
The impact triggered a chain reaction: the truck-tractor pushed into two other 18-wheelers, causing one to jackknife and strike a Jeep Compass, a Ford Mustang, and a Honda.
Tragically, four of the five people in the Ford F-150 were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth occupant was airlifted to a hospital in Dallas in critical condition. The driver of the Jeep Compass also died at the scene, according to DPS.
Photos from the scene show the extent of the destruction, with mangled vehicles and emergency crews responding in force.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
