Fifth victim dies following horrific Sabine Pass crash involving van, bus, and car

A fifth victim has died following a crash involving a passenger van, a bus operated by Hotard, and a car Monday afternoon in Sabine Pass. Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr. and the DPS confirm 21-year-old Caleb Burge died today. The judge has ordered an autopsy. A GoFundMe has been set up by his brother, Chad Bertrand, to help with expenses: This is literally the last thing I’ve ever wanted to do. Money is not important, but living out Caleb’s mission to provided tirelessly for his family is what we’re doing. Bills come fast and help is needed for his family during this time of loss. Please help in any way, prayers, support, and love. This is only for caleb’s wife, and kids/ funeral expenses. A beautiful soul that touched this earth and has left the biggest impact anyone has ever seen. My little boo-boo is the man I aspire to be and he never knew that. We all love you, and will watch over your family bubba. The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified the five victims killed and others injured Monday afternoon when the driver of a Chevrolet van crossed over into the oncoming lane on State Highway 87 in Sabine Pass, crashing into a bus operated by Hotard, killing the driver and four passengers in the van, according to DPS Sgt. Shana Clark. It sideswiped an Audi behind the bus, pushing the Audi beneath the bus. The driver of the Chevrolet van is identified as 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown. Three passengers, identified as 27-year-old Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 28-year-old Angel Dominguez, and 37-year-old Osvaldo Alvarez, died at the scene. Burge died today at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. Other passengers include 38-year-old Raul Silverio Trujillo was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont where he was treated and released. 37-year-old Rodolfo Garay Jr. and Burge were transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Garay is in critical condition and Burge died today. 50-year-old Fernando Rojas and 26-year-old Robert Zackery Sebastia Hoyt were transported to Memorial Hermann in Houston where their injuries remain unknown at this time. The driver of the bus, identified as a 48-year-old man from Vidor, was transported to Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur where his injuries remain unknown. The driver of the Audi, identified as 28-year-old man from Rosharon, was transported to Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur where he was treated and released The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at about 3:50 p.m., a Chevrolet Express passenger van was traveling northwest, while a Prevost passenger bus operated by Hotard was traveling southeast, followed by an Audi passenger car. It is reported that the van crossed over into the oncoming lane and collided with the bus. After impact, the van sideswiped an Audi that was behind the bus, pushing the Audi underneath the bus. The driver of the van, identified as a 28-year-old man from Baytown, and three occupants, died at the scene. Five others were transported to various hospitals for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Their information is not immediately available at this time. The driver and sole occupant of the Prevost passenger bus operated by Hotard were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Hotard is a company that transports workers to and from refineries, chemical plants, and LNG plants in the area. The driver and sole occupant of the Audi were also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. This is an active and ongoing investigation and no further information is available. Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso tells KFDM first responders called for at least three medical helicopters and three ambulances following the crash. Highway 87 remained closed and reopened by about 9:30 tonight, according to the DPS. Port Arthur PD and the Fire Department worked the scene with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Photo credit: Bart Masters.