In a devastating incident that happened on Wednesday morning, August 28, a passenger van overturned on northbound Highway 287 near Alvord, Wise County. The accident resulted in three fatalities and eleven injuries. The crash was described by Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger as a “mass casualty incident.” It occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and FM 1655.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, fourteen individuals were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. The severity of the accident prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response with multiple ambulances and helicopters dispatched to the scene. Three air ambulances were called in from Bowie to assist with the rescue efforts.
Local authorities such as the Alvord police and fire departments quickly responded to the crash site. No other vehicles have been reported to be involved in the incident as of now.
The northbound lanes of U.S. 287 at FM1655 have been closed due to the accident and officials are urging drivers to avoid the area. The road closure is expected to last for an extended period as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene.
According to the official Twitter feed of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Fort Worth District, “US 81/287 in Alvord: all NB lanes closed at FM 1655 due to vehicle incident. Expect delays. Seek alternate route.”
Authorities are expected to release more information as it becomes available.
