TWO KILLED IN ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 77 NORTH OF SCHULENBURG

  

Update @ 4:40 p.m.: Two people were killed and two others hospitalized in a fatal wreck this (Tuesday) afternoon on Highway 77 north of Schulenburg.

The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the highway near Swiss Alp.  Three vehicles were involved, including a tanker truck, van, and SUV.

According to Highway Patrol Sergeant Jeremy Weiser, the van was headed northbound on Highway 77 waiting to turn left, when it was struck from behind by the SUV.  The van spun into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by the 18-wheeler.

Two ambulances took an elderly male and an elderly female to St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange, where they were pronounced dead.  The two from the SUV were identified as 85-year-old Franklin Stoeltje and 84-year-old Annie Stoeltje, both of Victoria.

Both the driver of the van and the 18-wheeler were taken by another ambulance to Columbus Community Hospital.  Sgt. Weiser said the two are in stable condition.

The accident blocked both lanes of traffic on the highway until around 2 p.m., and held traffic to one lane through 3 p.m.  The scene of the accident has been cleared.

DPS officials are continuing their investigation.

Original Story @ 2:32 p.m.: At least one was killed in a fatal accident this (Tuesday) afternoon on Highway 77 north of Schulenburg.

The accident occurred earlier this afternoon on the highway near Swiss Alps.  At least three vehicles were involved, including a tanker truck, van, and SUV.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies and Highway Patrol officers are actively investigating the accident.  No details were immediately available regarding the nature of the accident, but a Highway Patrol spokesman confirmed the accident was fatal.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Lieutenant David Beyer said a pair of Life Flight helicopters were called out to the scene.

One-way traffic is being let through.  Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.

More information will be posted as soon as it is available.