A multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 20 westbound near Terrell resulted in five fatalities over the weekend, authorities reported.
The crash involved seven vehicles and occurred approximately four miles west of Terrell around 2:40 p.m.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver of a semi-truck, 27-year-old Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the loss of control and triggering the collision.
Five people were pronounced dead, though officials have not released the identities of the deceased or details about the other vehicles involved.
Interstate 20 westbound was temporarily closed following the accident to facilitate vehicle removal, debris clearance, and an ongoing investigation into the crash’s cause and sequence of events.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation, which will also evaluate factors such as road conditions and vehicle maintenance. Authorities have not announced any charges or legal proceedings against the truck driver.
Officials urged motorists to prioritize safety by avoiding driving while fatigued, emphasizing the importance of adequate rest, especially on highways.
Support services have been made available to the families affected by the crash. The local community continues to mourn the loss of life resulting from the accident.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.