Kaufman County, TX (September 20, 2025) – A major multi-vehicle collision involving at least one passenger vehicle and several 18-wheelers caused significant injuries and shut down all westbound lanes of Interstate 20 near FM 429 on Friday. Emergency crews from Elmo Fire Department, along with multiple CareFlite ground ambulances and an air ambulance, responded to the scene.
The crash occurred during peak travel hours and led to a full closure of the westbound I-20 lanes, causing major traffic delays throughout the area. Authorities confirmed that at least one CareFlite helicopter landed on the roadway to airlift a seriously injured patient to a trauma center. Three ambulances were also observed providing care to injured victims.
Officials have not released the number of people hurt, but given the scale of the response—including multiple emergency medical teams and air transport—injuries are believed to be severe. Emergency crews worked urgently to assess victims, extricate any trapped occupants, and prepare for medical transport.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision. Early reports suggest that heavy commercial traffic and possible vehicle maneuvering issues may have contributed to the crash. Cleanup and investigation efforts are ongoing, and no timeline has been provided for reopening the westbound lanes.
Our thoughts are with those injured in this serious crash, and we wish all involved a full and swift recovery.
Highway Collisions Involving 18-Wheelers in Texas
Collisions involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, especially on high-speed corridors like I-20, often result in devastating consequences. In the Kaufman County crash, the involvement of multiple 18-wheelers and the need for air medical transport underscore just how severe these incidents can be.
Highways like I-20 serve as major freight routes across Texas, frequently seeing a mix of local traffic and long-haul commercial carriers. The combination of speed, vehicle weight, and congestion dramatically increases the risk of multi-vehicle pileups—especially when traffic conditions shift quickly. In these situations, passenger vehicle occupants are far more vulnerable to serious injuries due to the sheer mass of commercial trucks.
Victims of such crashes may suffer from spinal injuries, internal trauma, fractures, and head injuries—all of which require immediate and long-term medical care. The emotional and financial impact on victims and their families can be overwhelming, with hospital stays, lost income, and lengthy recovery timelines becoming common.
Importantly, trucking collisions in Texas often involve complex liability issues. Multiple parties—drivers, trucking companies, and even third-party maintenance providers—may share responsibility. Prompt documentation, including crash scene evidence, vehicle logs, and witness statements, is essential to protect injured parties’ rights.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash like this on I-20, help is available to guide you through the next steps and ensure you receive the care and support you need.
Truck accidents can change lives in an instant—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Local Accident Reports, we connect Kaufman County crash victims with vital recovery tools—from medical support to legal guidance. If you were hurt in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, reach out today to get the help you deserve and start your path toward healing.