ORANGE COUNTY – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers are investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash this morning on I-10, near the Louisiana state line.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 7 a.m., a commercial vehicle was traveling east and reportedly failed to control speed and struck a 2012 Honda passenger car in the rear, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash.
The driver of the commercial vehicle continued driving after the crash and has not been located.
The driver of the Honda is identified as 34-year-old Pascual Dela-Cruz from Mexico. Dela-Cruz was transported to a Lake Charles hospital for treatment.
A passenger riding in the backseat of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene by an Orange County Justice of the Peace. The identity of the passenger is not immediately available at this time pending notification of next of kin.
Two additional passengers were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Investigators are requesting anyone with any information to please contact Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-699-7340.
The eastbound lanes of I-10 are now open for normal traffic.
Additional information is not available at this time as this investigation remains ongoing.