FANNETT, Jefferson County, Texas, Oct. 23, 2026 — A woman died, and two other people were hurt early on Thursday morning, October 22, when an 18-wheeler struck a disabled box truck on Interstate 10 West near FM 365 in Fannett, Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened around 6:20 a.m. when a truck tractor semi-trailer traveling west hit the rear of a box truck that was stopped in the outside lane. DPS Sgt. Shana Clark said the box truck was disabled at the time of the collision.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, identified by DPS as 66-year-old Vebi Vehapi of Missouri, was not injured. The driver of the box truck, identified as 43-year-old Maynor Leonel Mejia of Honduras, and a passenger identified as 33-year-old Luis Meza-Ramos were taken to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
A second passenger, identified as a 38-year-old woman from Honduras, was also brought to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital, where she died.
The crash remains under investigation, and DPS has not released further details on what led up to the collision.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Fannett, TX
This truck crash happened on Interstate 10 in Fannett, TX. We cover crashes across Jefferson County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Jefferson County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partially or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, usually because the trailer sits higher off the ground than a car's crumple zones can absorb.
What are common causes of large-truck accidents?
Crashes involving big rigs usually trace back to driver fatigue, following too closely, mechanical failure, or a vehicle stopped or disabled in a travel lane without enough warning for approaching traffic.
How can drivers share the road with trucks safely?
Give trucks extra following distance, pass quickly and visibly, and avoid lingering in blind spots. If your own vehicle breaks down, try to get fully off the roadway and use hazard lights or flares if you have them.
Does driver fatigue contribute to truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction time, and federal rules limit how many hours commercial drivers may drive before resting, though violations and irregular schedules still play a role in some crashes.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Fannett, Texas
If you're involved in a crash with a commercial truck, move to a safe area if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, get checked by a medical provider, since some injuries from a truck collision don't show symptoms immediately. Take photos of the scene if you're able, note the names of any witnesses, and ask for a copy of the official crash report once it's available. Dealing with insurance and commercial carriers can be complicated, so keep careful records of medical visits, repair estimates, and any time missed from work.
