5 Dead, Several Injured in 7-Vehicle Crash on I-20 Near Terrell

A multi-vehicle wreck on westbound I-20 just east of Hiram Road, near Terrell in Kaufman County, left five people dead and several others injured on Saturday afternoon. The crash shut down all east- and westbound lanes of the interstate for hours, creating a significant traffic backup before the roadway fully reopened late Saturday night.

What Authorities Say Happened

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), traffic on I-20 had slowed when the driver of a red semi-truck fell asleep at the wheel. The truck slammed into the rear of a Ford F-150 carrying five people, pushing it into two other 18-wheelers. One of those semis jack-knifed and struck three additional passenger vehicles: a Jeep Compass, a Ford Mustang, and a Honda sedan.

Four of the victims killed were inside the F-150; the fifth was in the Jeep Compass. Two more people were critically hurt, and several others sustained less-serious injuries. All injured victims were transported to Dallas-area hospitals for treatment.

Road Closure & Investigation

Both directions of I-20 remained closed for much of the day while first responders cleared debris, tended to victims, and began their investigation. All lanes reopened after 10 p.m. Saturday. DPS has arrested the driver, who now faces five counts of manslaughter and additional charges connected to the crash.

Crash reconstruction specialists with DPS will examine vehicle data, driver logs, and witness statements to determine the precise chain of events. Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed, pending notification of family members. Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact DPS investigators.