UPDATE: Two people died Wednesday evening in a fiery collision involving two tractor-trailers on Interstate 20 in Smith County.
Both victims were in a UPS tractor-trailer truck that apparently struck the rear of another 18-wheeler. Both the driver, and passenger of the UPS truck died in the wreck.
UPS has released the following statement:
Sadly, UPS can verify the fatalities of two experienced, long-service UPS drivers working as part of a team for long-haul movements. These drivers were based out of Florida. We are working with authorities on an investigation that includes many variables under review: weather, road conditions, nearby vehicles and on-scene reports.
Fire destroyed both the tractor and the single trailer attached. Any packages impacted will have exceptions noted in their tracking detail, and UPS will work with shippers for a claims process.
Around 11 p.m. Wednesday night, Red Springs Fire Department, Winona Fire Department and DPS responded to a major wreck involving two tractor-trailers on I-20 just west of Farm-to-Market Road 2015.
According to Red Springs Fire Marshal Michael Salmon, one tractor-trailer rear-ended another tractor-trailer causing an explosion and fire.
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Mitch Shamburger. Their identities have not yet been released.
Eastbound lanes of I-20 were closed overnight and early morning.
SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) - Multiple agencies and emergency crews are responding to a major wreck at the intersection of I-20 and Farm-to-Market Road 2015.
Details are limited at this time. We have a crew headed to the scene and will bring you more details as the story develops.