On Saturday afternoon, June 28, 2025, a devastating crash occurred on Interstate 20 westbound near Terrell in Kaufman County, Texas, resulting in five confirmed fatalities and several additional injuries. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the collision involved seven vehicles, including three 18-wheelers and four passenger vehicles. The crash took place around 2:40 p.m. near Hiram Road and led to the shutdown of all westbound lanes, creating a major traffic backup.
Incident Details
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Terrell and Elmo Fire Departments, rushed to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting a severe multi-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, crews discovered a chaotic scene involving a chain reaction of collisions.
Preliminary investigations by DPS revealed that traffic on I-20 had already been slowed due to an earlier crash. During this traffic congestion, the driver of a truck-tractor reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and struck a Ford F-150 carrying five occupants. The force of the impact set off a sequence of collisions that involved two more 18-wheelers, one of which jackknifed and struck a Jeep Compass, a Ford Mustang, and a Honda.
Four of the individuals inside the Ford F-150 were pronounced dead at the scene, while the fifth was airlifted to a hospital in Dallas. The occupant of the Jeep Compass was also declared deceased at the crash site. Several others sustained injuries described as less severe.
Potential Causes and Legal Implications
Based on DPS’s early findings, driver fatigue appears to be a critical factor in this collision. Fatigue behind the wheel, particularly in the operation of large commercial vehicles, can have catastrophic consequences. Federal regulations impose strict limits on hours of service for truck drivers, and violations of these rules can result in legal liability for both the driver and their employer.
In multi-vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks, establishing fault often requires a thorough examination of driving records, compliance with rest requirements, maintenance logs, and vehicle conditions. If it is confirmed that the truck driver fell asleep due to negligence or regulatory noncompliance, it may open the door to significant legal consequences.
Importance of Evidence and Investigation
As the DPS investigation continues, preserving all available evidence will be key in determining liability. This includes black box data from the trucks, eyewitness accounts, dashcam footage, and forensic analysis of the crash site. Documentation of vehicle damage, driver logs, and cell phone records may also play an important role in reconstructing the events that led to the tragedy.
In fatal accidents of this magnitude, accident reconstruction specialists and federal investigators are often involved to assess whether safety regulations were breached. Evidence gathered during this process can directly impact wrongful death and personal injury claims pursued by surviving family members or injured victims.
Understanding the Dangers of Truck vs. Passenger Vehicle Crashes
Collisions between commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles are particularly dangerous due to the vast differences in size and weight. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs just a fraction of that. In high-speed or congested highway scenarios, the inability of a truck to stop quickly or maneuver safely can turn a momentary lapse in attention into a mass casualty event.
In this case, the chain-reaction nature of the collision demonstrates how even a single act of fatigue or inattention can trigger widespread destruction. Jackknifing, vehicle pileups, and secondary impacts all contribute to the overall risk and complexity of these crashes.
Legal Rights and Options for Victims and Their Families
Families affected by this tragedy may have the right to pursue legal claims for wrongful death, medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering. Survivors with injuries may also be entitled to compensation for pain, rehabilitation, and long-term impacts on quality of life.
Navigating the aftermath of a mass casualty crash requires legal insight and support. Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect their interests. That is why it is critical for families and victims to understand their rights and seek guidance from personal injury attorneys who have experience in handling complex trucking collision cases.
Highway Safety and the Impact of Fatigue
This incident also highlights broader safety concerns about long-haul trucking, highway congestion, and the dangers of fatigue. While drivers are required to follow rest mandates, enforcement and compliance can vary. Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle crashes in the United States.
Public awareness and policy efforts continue to focus on improving monitoring of driver hours, enhancing vehicle safety systems, and encouraging better training for operators of large trucks. Still, each crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks shared by all drivers on the road.
Commentary from a Gosuits Kaufman County Personal Injury Attorney
The tragic collision near Terrell reflects the devastating consequences that can arise when a fatigued driver operates a commercial vehicle under unsafe conditions. From a legal perspective, the complexity of this case underscores the importance of a timely and thorough investigation. When multiple vehicles and fatalities are involved, determining liability is a detailed process that requires technical, legal, and regulatory proficiency.
For those grieving the loss of loved ones or struggling with serious injuries, it is vital to know that the law provides avenues for justice. Compensation cannot undo the harm, but it can offer crucial support during recovery and hold accountable those whose actions caused the loss. A personal injury attorney with experience in truck accident litigation can serve as an essential advocate in the pursuit of accountability and fair restitution.
