TRINITY COUNTY, TX- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to a two-vehicle fatality crash involving a Trinity ISD van this morning. The crash occurred on FM 1893 in Trinity County, about five miles west of Trinity.
The preliminary investigation indicates at approximately 7:26 a.m., an eastbound 2015 Chevrolet Trinity ISD van loaded with 11- children was stopped to pick up a child when it was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford pick-up.
A seven-year-old Trinity girl, who was on the van at the time of crash, received substantial injuries and was transported from the scene to East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) in Trinity; she was pronounced deceased. She was the daughter of a Trinity County Deputy Sheriff. Seven children were transported to ETMC with non-life threatening injuries. All the children were properly secured at the time of the crash, according to on-scene investigators.
The driver of the van is identified as 55-year-old Chandra Wheeler from Trinity, TX. The driver of the Ford pick-up is identified as 17-year-old Micah Brock, and 2 of her friends were in the truck. One of those friends started CPR on the child. According to DPS there were no cell phones in the truck, however locals say at that time of morning the sun hits drivers directly in the face as they approach that area
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
December 1, 2016
Press Release from Trinity ISD
Today, Thursday, December 1, 2016, a Trinity ISD school vehicle was involved in an accident on FM 1893 in Trinity County, when the district vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The accident resulted in the death of one student and five other students being taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The ages of the students involved range from 5-15 years old. The Department of Public Safety is investigating the matter, and the parents and guardians of those involved have been notified.
The safety of the students and staff of Trinity ISD is our highest priority, and we mourn the loss of one of our students. All of the students, staff and their families involved in this incident are in the thoughts and prayers of the Trinity ISD family.
The District will cooperate fully in the investigation into this matter. Counselors will be made available at Trinity ISD schools for any student who needs those services.
Respectfully,
John Kaufman Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools
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