Smith Cunty, TX (March 13, 2026) – One person died, and three others were hurt after a crash involving an 18-wheeler and several vehicles on Toll 49 in Smith County on Thursday afternoon.
The accident happened around 1:40 p.m. on March 12, along westbound Toll 49 near mile marker 19. Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a major crash involving a semi-truck and multiple passenger vehicles.
Reports state that a Jeep, a Chevrolet Tahoe, and a Subaru SUV were slowing down or stopping for road construction at the time. A truck tractor semi-trailer approached from behind and failed to control its speed before striking the back of the Subaru.
The impact pushed the Subaru into the Tahoe, then into the Jeep, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving all four vehicles. The driver of the Subaru was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was identified as 63-year-old Tina Loper of Flint. Three other people, including a child, suffered minor injuries, and one person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials said the driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured. Traffic in the area was later reopened around 4:45 p.m. after crews cleared the roadway.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Rear-End Chain-Reaction Crashes Often Happen on Busy Highways
Rear-end collisions can trigger chain-reaction crashes when several vehicles are traveling closely together on highways. These incidents often occur when traffic slows suddenly due to construction zones, congestion, or road hazards.
Large trucks require more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. When traffic ahead suddenly slows, drivers approaching from behind may have little time to slow. If a vehicle strikes another from the rear, the impact force can push the struck vehicle into nearby vehicles.
Construction areas sometimes increase the risk of this type of crash. Lane changes, reduced speeds, and sudden braking can create tight spacing between vehicles. When several vehicles are close together, even a single impact can cause multiple cars to collide in sequence.
