TxDOT Releases Statement on Fatal Crash in Highway 69 Work Zone

The Texas Department of Transportation has issued a statement concerning a fatal crash that happened Tuesday in a Highway 69 work zone in the Rockland Community near the Jasper County/Angelina County line.

TxDOT (Lufkin District) stated that the work zone was active at the time of the crash. The zone was set with rumble strips, barricades, and a flagger directing traffic just north of the Jasper County line on US Highway 69. There was a work crew present at the time of the crash.

According to a story on KJAS.com, a northbound 18-wheeler was stopped in the work zone when an F-150 pickup truck crashed into the back of the trailer. The pick-up truck caught fire and fire crews from Zavalla, Angelina River, and Colmesneil responded to the scene.

The driver of the pick-up truck perished in the accident. The name of the deceased person has not been released.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the TxDOT family would like to express its heartfelt sympathy to the families of those involved and to those who witnessed the crash.

Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation would like to remind motorists to reduce speed and obey all traffic control in and near a TxDOT work zone. Stay alert for moving equipment and workers near the lanes of travel as you approach a work zone. Always be prepared to stop.

There are numerous active road construction zones on major highways such as Highways 59 and 69. As the Interstate 69 project continues to ramp up, there will be many more construction zones from San Jacinto through Shelby Counties for years to come.