DPS says that the driver of a 2000 Oldsmobile passenger car was traveling westbound on IH-20 in the eastbound lanes of traffic. The Oldsmobile struck a 2017 Dodge Ram truck towing a flatbed trailer in the eastbound inside lane. At the same time, the driver of a 2012 Peterbilt truck tractor pulling a semi-trailer, also traveling eastbound, took evasive action to the right and then left to avoid the collision. That action caused the truck and towed semi-trailer to cross the center median and overturn in the westbound lanes of traffic where it was struck by a westbound truck tractor pulling a tanker trailer.
The driver of the Oldsmobile was pronounced dead at the scene by Judge Shamburger.
Paramedics treated and released the driver of the Dodge Ram at the scene.
The drivers of both truck tractors were pronounced dead at the scene by Judge Shamburger.
As the DPS obtains identification information, verified and next of kin notified, it will be released.
The crash remains under investigation, as information develops it will be released.
The DPS closed the westbound side of IH-20 at the crash site at this time and traffic continues to be redirected.
From DPS
At about 1:00 am this morning, State Troopers responded to a four-vehicle fatal crash on IH-20 eastbound at mile marker 567 in Smith County. Traffic is being diverted in both directions, eastbound traffic has been rerouted onto FM-2015 then to Hwy-271, while westbound traffic has been rerouted at Hwy-155 N to Hwy-271. Motorists are urged to use caution in this area.
The crash involved a passenger car, a truck tractor towing a saltwater tanker, a truck tractor towing a box trailer, and a dually one-ton towing a 30ft. trailer.
There have been three confirmed deceased at this time. Identification has not been made.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.