VIDOR, Texas — A major crash involving at least three vehicles in Vidor resulted in the death of two and a vehicle engulfed in flames before noon on Monday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
"The first arriving unit did find there was a fire, started deploying the hose line to protect the other vehicles until the second crew arrived on scene," said Orange County Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Smith. "Probably within two minutes, the fire was under control."
The collision took place on Interstate 10 east near the 861- mile marker around 11:15 a.m.
Police previously shut down the road and traffic was being diverted.
According to a release from DPS, a 2021 Ram 1500 was traveling west in the eastbound lane when it hit the 2016 Ram head on, causing a 2023 Nissan Murano to strike both vehicles.
"We're not sure exactly how or why that happened," said Chief Smith.
The 2016 Ram and Murano were traveling eastbound in the inside lane.
The driver of the 2016 Ram was taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the passenger, 53-year-old Dolores Munoz of Houston, was confirmed deceased on the scene, according to the release.
The driver of the 2021 Ram has been identified as 60-year-old James Wyatt of Orange. He was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver and two passengers Murano were transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Fire Chief Smith wants to remind drivers to pay attention while driving to increase safety and cut down on wrecks like this.
"It's very rare. Control your speed, pay attention, no texting and driving. Try not to even talk on your phone so that you can pay full attention to the roadway and what's ahead of you," he said.
The emergency responders were able to keep the scene under control and provide urgent assistance to those involved.
"I can't think of anything they could have done better," said Chief Smith.
A fourth vehicle sustained minor damage in the wreck.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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