Two people lost their lives early this morning in a major multi-vehicle crash in Harrison County, Texas.
Semi Slams Into Multiple Stopped Trucks
The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-20 near mile marker 601.
NEW: Images just in to @KLTV7 give a hint at the violent nature of this pile-up on I-20 in Harrison County. https://t.co/mKGKndiqAn@KerriCompton is working to get more details on what happened. Updates on #GMET. pic.twitter.com/tzicNDnnk2
— Lane Luckie (@LaneLuckie) January 4, 2018
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a previous crash along I-20 had slowed traffic. Four westbound tractor trailers were stopped on the interstate for slowed traffic when a fifth truck failed to slow down and slammed into the stopped vehicles.
BREAKING: The westbound lanes of Interstate 20 in Harrison County remain closed after a fatal wreck involving multiple vehicles, including five 18-wheelers. https://t.co/ZEfmusehFV pic.twitter.com/JV3glJBNEd
— KLTV 7 (@KLTV7) January 4, 2018
The driver and another person in the fifth truck were both pronounced dead at the scene. No other serious injuries were reported.
JUST IN: Two people killed in Harrison County crash involving 5 semi trucks. Westbound Interstate 20 will remain closed through at least Noon. https://t.co/mKGKndiqAn pic.twitter.com/KDMfYBidQV
— Lane Luckie (@LaneLuckie) January 4, 2018
Cause Of Crash Remains Under Investigation
Transportation officials were forced to shut down westbound I-20 for clean up and investigation of the crash. Traffic is being rerouted onto Farm-to-Market Road 450 at mile marker 604. The interstate is not expected to reopen before noon.
It isn’t clear why the fifth truck did not stop. The crash remains under investigation.