5 Workers Killed After Van Smashes Into Empty Passenger Bus in Horrific Crash (Video)

Five people are dead after a devastating three-vehicle crash in Texas that turned a Monday afternoon drive home from work into an unimaginable tragedy.

The deadly collision happened around 3:50 p.m. on Monday, May 18, along Highway 87 in Sabine Pass, a neighborhood in Port Arthur, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Authorities said a Chevrolet Express passenger van was traveling northwest when it crossed over the center line and crashed head-on into an empty Prevost passenger bus heading southeast. An Audi that had been traveling behind the bus then slammed into the rear of the bus, turning the scene into a pileup.

Four people in the van were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials identified them as the van’s driver, Cesar Rojas, 28, of Baytown, and passengers Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 27, Angel Dominguez, 28, and Osvaldo Alvarez, 37.

The death toll climbed even higher on Wednesday, May 20, when authorities confirmed that Caleb Burge, 21, had died from injuries suffered in the crash. A GoFundMe created for Burge said he and his work crew were heading home in a company vehicle when the wreck happened.

“Caleb lost his life in the accident, and he was the sole provider for his family of four,” the fundraiser said. “He leaves behind his wife Cheyenne, a 2-year-old son, and another son who just turned 1.”

The fundraiser described Burge as a hardworking young father whose life centered around providing for his wife and children.

“Caleb worked tirelessly to ensure his family had everything they needed, and his dedication and love were evident in every aspect of his life,” the campaign added.

Another fundraiser was created for Alvarez, who was also remembered as a devoted father. According to the GoFundMe, Alvarez leaves behind his young son, Lisandro.

“He leaves behind his young son, Lisandro, who meant everything to him,” the fundraiser said. “All Osvaldo ever wanted was to work hard, take care of our parents, and provide for his little boy.”

A fundraiser for Rojas also described a grieving family now trying to process the sudden loss.

“I ask God to give strength to the whole Rojas family, his wife, his children, and grandsons during these bad times,” the organizer wrote.

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Several other people were injured in the crash. Early reports said seven people were hurt, while later reports said six others were hospitalized after Burge’s death. Authorities said the bus driver and the Audi driver were treated at hospitals and later released.

The bus was operated by Hotard, a charter service company, according to reports. Investigators have not yet released a final cause for why the van crossed into oncoming traffic. DPS said the investigation remains ongoing.