DPS Issues Updated Information on Trinity County Bush Crash that Killed a 7 Year Old, TRINITY COUNTY, December 2, 2016 - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to a two-vehicle fatality crash involving a Trinity ISD van this morning. The crash occurred on FM 1893 in Trinity County, about five miles west of Trinity.
The preliminary investigation indicates at approximately 7:26 a.m., an eastbound 2015 Chevrolet Trinity ISD van loaded with eight children was stopped to pick up a child when it was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford pick-up, occupied by the driver and three passengers.
A seven-year-old Trinity girl, who was on the van at the time of crash, received substantial injuries and was transported from the scene to East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) in Trinity; she was pronounced deceased. Five children were transported to ETMC by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. Three other passengers and the driver of the ISD van were taken to ETMC in Trinity by private vehicle for reported precautionary measures. All the children were properly secured at the time of the crash, according to on-scene investigators.
The driver of the van is identified as 55-year-old Chandra Wheeler from Trinity, TX. The driver of the Ford pick-up is identified as 17-year-old Micah Brock, also from Trinity. Three passengers in the truck were transported to ETMC in Trinity, two by ambulance and one by private vehicle. The female driver was reportedly not injured during the crash.
No other injuries were reported as a result of this crash. The roadway is currently closed and motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes.
In addition to determining causative factors in the crash, Texas DPS troopers are examining all relevant evidence to ensure state law was followed.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
