Gregg County, TX (May 12, 2026) – Multiple crashes involving several vehicles and injured people caused road closures on Monday, May 11, along SH 31 in Gregg County. Emergency units responded to the area about one mile east of FM 3053 after reports of a multi-vehicle accident with injuries.
Officials said another injury crash was also reported nearby along the same stretch of highway. Traffic delays and road closures were expected for several hours as crews worked at the scenes. Authorities also urged drivers to avoid the area near Wildflower Hill Rd if possible.
At this time, officials have not confirmed how many people were hurt or whether the crashes were connected. Additional details about those involved have not yet been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crashes, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
What Factors Can Contribute to Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Highways?
Multi-vehicle crashes often happen on busy highways where traffic moves at higher speeds and drivers have less time to react. Wet pavement, heavy traffic, poor visibility, and sudden stops can all increase the risk of chain-reaction accidents involving several vehicles.
Crashes involving multiple vehicles may also lead to extended road closures because emergency crews must clear damaged cars, assist injured people, and remove debris from the roadway. Traffic congestion can quickly build in these situations, especially on two-lane highways or roads with limited alternate routes.
Investigators may later review roadway conditions, vehicle damage, witness statements, and traffic patterns to better determine how the accidents occurred. In some cases, separate crashes can happen close together due to slowed traffic or limited visibility near an earlier scene.
