HARDIN COUNTY, TX — Four Dead, One Seriously Injured in Tragic Late-Night Crash on FM 92
A devastating late-night collision in Hardin County has left four individuals dead and one woman critically injured, sending shockwaves through the local community. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched a full investigation into the fatal crash, which took place around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near Jim Burns Road—a stretch of rural highway located several miles north of Silsbee and south of Fred.
According to preliminary reports from DPS troopers, the crash involved two vehicles: a northbound sedan carrying five occupants and a southbound pickup truck traveling alone. Authorities believe the collision occurred when one of the vehicles crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on impact at high speed. The force of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles, scattering debris across the roadway and leaving a gruesome scene that emergency crews described as “among the worst they’ve seen in years.”
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Hardin County EMS, volunteer fire departments, and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the scene after several 911 calls reported the wreck. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that four of the five occupants in the sedan had already succumbed to their injuries. The lone survivor, an adult female, was found trapped in the wreckage with life-threatening injuries. She was extricated by firefighters and airlifted to a nearby trauma center, where she remains in critical condition.
The driver of the pickup truck, whose identity has not yet been released, was also injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition was not immediately available, but officials noted that his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
DPS troopers remained at the scene throughout the night and into the early morning hours, conducting a meticulous reconstruction of the crash and collecting evidence. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether alcohol, speed, or other factors played a role in the collision, but all possibilities are being explored. Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers as part of standard protocol.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been made public, pending notification of next of kin. However, DPS indicated that all four victims in the sedan were adults and believed to be local residents. The tragedy has cast a pall over the region, with community members expressing grief and condolences across social media platforms and through prayer vigils planned in nearby towns.
In a statement released Saturday morning, a DPS spokesperson said, “This is an unimaginable loss of life. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims as we work to determine what led to this horrific incident. We urge all drivers to stay vigilant on rural roads, especially at night, when visibility is low and reaction time is limited.”
Farm-to-Market Road 92 was closed for several hours overnight as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigators processed the scene. It reopened by mid-morning Saturday.
Local residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of FM 92, citing poor lighting, narrow lanes, and a history of serious crashes in the area. Friday night’s tragedy is likely to reignite calls for safety improvements along the stretch of road between Silsbee and Fred.
As the investigation continues, grief counselors and support services are being mobilized to assist the families of the victims and the wider community. The names and further details about those involved are expected to be released in the coming days.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information is urged to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at their Lufkin district office.
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest crashes in recent years for Hardin County and serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced on rural highways after dark.