PRESS RELEASE — At approximately 11:00a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County.  The crash occurred near Gator Country.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 2011 Freightliner truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 followed by a 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.  For an unknown reason, the driver of the 18-wheeler stopped in the inside traffic lane and was rear-ended by the Toyota pickup truck.  The driver of the Toyota was ejected from his vehicle.

The driver of the Toyota, a 20-year-old male from Orange, Texas, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Ray Chesson at the crash scene.  His name will not be released until next of kin has been notified.

The driver of the 18-wheeler, a 55-year-old  male from Florida, was not injured in the crash.

This is an ongoing investigation as Troopers work to determine the exact factors that contributed to this fatal crash.

At this time, all westbound traffic lanes are closed.  There is no time estimation as to when the roadway will reopen to traffic.  Motorists are urged to find an alternate travel route.  Expect delays.