Four people were killed in a crash involving a passenger van, passenger bus and passenger car on State Highway 87 on May 18, according to the Sgt. Shana Clark of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The crash occurred about 3:50 p.m. in the 3000 block of South Gulfway Drive.
Investigators said a van crossed into an oncoming lane and collided with a Hotard operated bus. After impact, the van entered a ditch, and an Audi struck the rear of the bus.
The van’s driver, 28-year-old Cesar Rojas, of Baytown and three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene by a justice of the peace, including Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 27; Angel Dominguiz, 28, and Osvaldo Alvarez, 27. Five other occupants were transported to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries. A fifth fatality — a 22-year-old man tentatively identified as Caleb Burge — died May 18, reported Jefferson County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr.
Hotard Coaches released a statement confirming its driver was not cited in connection with the crash, according to Trisha Fridrich, vice president of Commercial Operations.
“The safety of our passengers, employees, and the public is our highest priority,” said Fridrich. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this matter. Our driver was not cited for the incident. Hotard is committed to taking any necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso reported officers managed traffic at the scene. Multiple ambulances, Port Arthur Fire and City Ambulance responded, and four medical helicopters were dispatched. The roadway was closed until 9:30 p.m.
DPS said the investigation remains active and ongoing.