FATAL WRONG-WAY CRASH NEAR CALDWELL UNDER INVESTIGATION

  

DPS is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Burleson County early Monday morning, involving a wrong-way driver and an 18-wheeler.

The crash happened just past 3 a.m. along Highway 36 South, just south of Caldwell. 

According to DPS Sergeant Justin Ruiz, a 2020 Kia Rio was traveling north in the southbound lane when it collided head-on with a southbound 2022 Mack Pinnacle truck tractor.  As a result of the collision, the Kia caught fire.

The driver of the Kia, identified only as a male, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Sgt. Ruiz said DPS is still working to obtain positive identification and notify next of kin.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was taken to St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan with injuries believed to be minor. 

Traffic was backed up for several hours after the crash while authorities investigated and cleared the scene.