2 dead, dozens injured in Texas pileup involving 100+ cars
BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) — Two people died and more than 80 people were hurt Thursday when at least 140 vehicles collided in Southeast Texas in a pileup that left trucks twisted on top of each other and authorities rushing to pull survivors from the wreckage.
The collision occurred in extremely foggy conditions at about 8:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston.
A man and a woman were killed in a Chevy Suburban SUV crushed by a tractor trailer, the Texas Department of Public Safety told KFDM-TV.
Jefferson County sheriff's Deputy Rod Carroll said in a news release that 80 to 90 people were transported to hospitals with 10 to 12 of those in serious to critical condition. He said 140 to 150 vehicles were involved in the pileup.
According to DPS, a crash on the eastbound side of the highway led to other accidents in a dangerous chain reaction. There were multiple crashes on the other side of the highway as well.
Carroll told The Associated Press the fog was so thick that deputies didn't immediately realize they were dealing with multiple accidents.
"It is catastrophic," Carroll said. "I've got cars on top of cars."
I-10's eastbound lanes were re-opened Thursday evening after more than eight hours.
DPS trooper Stephanie Davis told KFDM that two people in an SUV died after the crash.
Carroll said uninjured drivers tried to help as authorities sorted through the wreckage.
"It's just people helping people," Carroll said. "The foremost thing in this holiday season is how other travelers were helping us when we were overwhelmed, sitting and holding, putting pressure on people that were injured."
The collision occurred in extremely foggy conditions at about 8:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston.
A man and a woman were killed in a Chevy Suburban SUV crushed by a tractor trailer, the Texas Department of Public Safety told KFDM-TV.
Jefferson County sheriff's Deputy Rod Carroll said in a news release that 80 to 90 people were transported to hospitals with 10 to 12 of those in serious to critical condition. He said 140 to 150 vehicles were involved in the pileup.
According to DPS, a crash on the eastbound side of the highway led to other accidents in a dangerous chain reaction. There were multiple crashes on the other side of the highway as well.
Carroll told The Associated Press the fog was so thick that deputies didn't immediately realize they were dealing with multiple accidents.
"It is catastrophic," Carroll said. "I've got cars on top of cars."
I-10's eastbound lanes were re-opened Thursday evening after more than eight hours.
DPS trooper Stephanie Davis told KFDM that two people in an SUV died after the crash.
Carroll said uninjured drivers tried to help as authorities sorted through the wreckage.
"It's just people helping people," Carroll said. "The foremost thing in this holiday season is how other travelers were helping us when we were overwhelmed, sitting and holding, putting pressure on people that were injured."
I am so sorry for all the victims of this horrific accident. My prayers go out to all. I want the drivers of the FedEx vehicles to know something, I am a former Sr. Safety Specialist of FedEx 9 yrs. who was also a victim of a vehicle accident driving my own personal vehicle to a company required meeting. I was REAR ENDED . Remember I was on company business. I sustained permanent injuries to my neck, and back. I went to company doctors who examined and required me to have Cat Scans MRI's etc. The doctors said I COULD NOT return to work " THE COMPANY DOCTORS " !!! Then comes the bad news ...I was denied workers compensation so I applied for the company paid Disability Benefits. ALSO DENIED !!! Then comes the whammy, I WAS TERMINATED WITH NO BENEFITS. I can tell you that this accident will be RULED PREVENTABLE !! Driving in un safe conditions ,following to close, possible excessive speed for conditions. BUT REMEMBER THE PACKAGE MUST BE ON TIME !!! My deepest sympathies to all and the families. Accidents DO NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN. My district had the best worker safety rate and improved vehicle accident rate year over year YET I WAS FIRED !!! What is their Safety Culture based ON ?? I can not tell you its a trade secret !! be safe !