Four people were killed in a devastating crash, and three others were seriously injured when a vehicle collided with a truck after fleeing a police checkpoint. The incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which reported that the driver in question was suspected of involvement in human trafficking. The crash unfolded on Interstate 35 near Encinal, about 43 miles (70 kilometers) north of Laredo, Texas. A DPS update described the driver as having fled from law enforcement before the collision. A photo shared by the agency shows a white Jeep severely damaged against the rear of a commercial truck. DPS spokesperson Chris Olivarez noted that the driver of the fleeing vehicle was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The broader context of the case has raised concerns about trafficking and the risks faced by those who encounter it on major transportation routes across Texas and beyond.
Interstate 35 is a critical artery that links the U.S. southern border with the interior regions of the country. The highway routinely carries commercial traffic, long-haul routes, and passenger journeys, making it a focal point for both travel safety and law enforcement operations. In the wake of this incident, authorities emphasized the dangers that can accompany attempts to evade police checks and the severe consequences that can follow when vehicles carrying vulnerable people collide with larger commercial trucks.
In the same week, Texas reported a second fatal trafficking-related incident. Earlier, a truck carrying a large number of migrants in its trailer was found in San Antonio, in Bexar County. The county coroner later confirmed that 53 migrants died in conditions described as overheated and lacking proper ventilation, underscoring the perilous risks associated with illegal trafficking in the region. These incidents have prompted ongoing discussions among state officials and emergency responders about the best ways to address trafficking networks and improve on-the-ground safety for migrants and truck drivers alike.
Law enforcement and public safety officials continue to monitor traffic on I-35 and related corridors, where the confluence of heavy freight movement and irregular routes can create dangerous scenarios. The DPS has reiterated its commitment to pursuing traffickers and safeguarding communities, while investigators piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash and assess whether there were additional victims who may have been affected by the attempt to evade authorities. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement so that potential trafficking cases can be identified and stopped before harm occurs.