Press release:

At approximately 6 a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of a multiple vehicle crash on US 96, near CR 716, in Jasper County.  The crash is just North of Evadale.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 2002 Kenworth log truck was traveling in the outside lane of US 96 south followed by a 2000 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer.  As the driver of the Kenworth log truck slowed to make a right turn onto CR 716, he was rear-ended by the Freightliner.  The momentum of the collision caused both vehicles to roll onto their sides and resulted in the Freightliner losing its load of wood chips.

Due to the crash and a diesel fuel spill, the outside lane of US 96 south remains closed and there is no time estimation as to when the roadway will reopen.  HazMat teams are in route to remove the diesel fuel from the road.  Motorists are urged to find an alternate travel route.  Expect delays.

The driver of the Kenworth log truck, 53-year-old Roger Dale Kay of Burkeville, was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Freightliner, 30-year-old Alfonso Lee Stubblefield of Lufkin, was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth hospital.  His injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

This crash remains under investigation and there are no further details to be released.