Sabine Pass, TX (May 19, 2026) – Four men lost their lives, and several others were hurt, on Monday afternoon, May 18, after a passenger van crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a charter bus along the 3000 block of S Gulfway Dr in Sabine Pass.
According to confirmed reports, the crash occurred around 3:50 p.m., when a Chevrolet Express passenger van traveling northwest crossed the centerline and struck a Prevost charter bus traveling southeast. An Audi traveling behind the bus then crashed into the bus’s rear.
The driver of the van, identified as 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three passengers in the van, identified as 27-year-old Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 28-year-old Angel Dominguez, and 27-year-old Osvaldo Alvarez, also died at the scene. Their identities were released on Tuesday, May 19, after relatives were notified.
Seven other people were taken to hospitals in Southeast Texas and Houston following the collision. Two passengers from the van suffered critical injuries, while two others were flown by helicopter to a Houston hospital with injuries that have not been publicly detailed. The bus driver and the Audi driver were also taken to a hospital, where both were treated and released.
The roadway remained closed for more than five hours while emergency units worked at the scene and cleared damaged vehicles from the highway.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
What Factors Are Often Reviewed After a Wrong-Way Crash?
Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous traffic incidents because they often result in high-speed head-on collisions. After these accidents, investigators usually examine roadway markings, traffic patterns, visibility, and driver actions leading up to the collision. Information from witnesses, nearby cameras, and vehicle data systems may also help explain how the crash occurred.
Medical reports can also provide insight into the seriousness of injuries suffered by those involved. In crashes involving multiple vehicles, investigators often review the sequence of impacts to determine how each vehicle became involved.
Road conditions, weather, and traffic flow at the time of the accident may also be examined. Large vehicles, such as buses, can add complexity to a crash scene due to passenger counts, vehicle size, and the extent of roadway closures required for emergency response and cleanup.
