3 buses collide in Texas construction zone, hospitalizing over 60 plant workers, cops say
More than 60 plant workers were hospitalized after three charter buses in Texas collided in a traffic zone, news outlets reported.
The accident occurred March 5 on the highway near Port Arthur, a major petrochemical hub on the Texas coast, according to KYTX. The station reported the buses were taking plant workers home when the accident happened.
KYTX reported 68 people were injured, five of whom were in critical condition. Other outlets had higher estimates regarding injuries.
KFDM described the crash as a “chain reaction.”
The charter buses collided in a construction zone, according to KBMT. It started when the bus in front slowed suddenly to avoid a dump truck that crossed into its lane. The second bus, directly behind, couldn’t slow down to avoid rear-ending the first and was in turn rear-ended by the third, the station reported.
Hotard Coaches, the company that owns all three buses, issued a statement about the accident, reported by KFDM.
“The safety of our passengers, employees, and the public is our highest priority,” the statement reads. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this matter and are conducting our own thorough internal review of the incident.
“Our immediate focus is on the well-being of those involved. We have already deployed our response team to provide support to passengers and drivers affected by this incident.”
Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso said responders diverted traffic to other lanes while the buses and workers were cleared from the road, the Port Arthur News reported.
Port Arthur is a 90-mile drive east of Houston.
This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM.
