ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas — One person is dead and five more were injured following a major crash in Anderson County.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, around 6:20 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on US 287, just south of Elkhart.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Honda Accord, driven by Cannette Fry, 48, of Palestine, was traveling south on US 287. A Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Brian Scruggs, 21, of Elkhart, was traveling behind the Honda. At the same time, a Ford Taurus, driven by Justin Benton, 23, of Elkhart, was traveling north on US 287.
DPS says the Chevrolet struck the back of the Honda, causing the Honda to cross over into the northbound lane and hit the Ford head-on. Then, Scruggs overcorrected after hitting the Honda, crossed over the northbound lanes and struck a tree.
Scruggs was taken to a local hospital.
Fry and a passenger, identified as Tyler Elkhatib, 18, of Palestine, were also taken to a local medical center for treatment.
Benton and 1-year-old Isabelle Benton, were also hospitalized. Another passenger in Benton's vehicle, identified as Mary Merlino, 22, of Mineola, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing.