The Sabine Pass community and surrounding Southeast Texas region are mourning yet another heartbreaking loss following the tragic multi-vehicle crash on Highway 87 that has now claimed a fifth victim. Authorities confirmed that 22-year-old Caleb Burge has died from injuries sustained in the catastrophic collision earlier this week, deepening the sorrow surrounding one of the area’s deadliest recent roadway accidents.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Caleb Burge passed away after being transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for emergency medical treatment following the crash. His death comes days after four other victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the violent collision that occurred Monday afternoon along Highway 87 in Sabine Pass.
Investigators reported that the crash unfolded around 4 p.m. when a Chevrolet Express passenger van traveling northwest reportedly crossed into the opposite lane of traffic. Preliminary findings indicate the van collided head-on with a southeast-bound Prevost passenger bus. Moments later, an Audi traveling behind the bus struck the rear portion of the vehicle, creating a devastating chain-reaction collision involving all three vehicles.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of the major crash, where they encountered widespread destruction, multiple injured victims, and significant roadway debris. Authorities confirmed that four individuals died at the scene from injuries sustained during the initial impact.
Those victims were identified as 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown, who was reportedly driving the passenger van, along with passengers Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 27; Angel Dominguez, 28; and Osvaldo Alvarez, 37. Caleb Burge later became the fifth fatality after succumbing to his injuries while hospitalized.
Several additional individuals involved in the crash were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Officials stated that some patients have since been released, while others continue receiving medical care for injuries sustained during the collision. Among those reported injured were Raul Silberio Trujillo, 38; Rodolfo Garay Jr., 37; Fernando Rojas, 50; and Robert Zackery Sebastia Hoyt, 26.
Authorities also confirmed that the bus driver, a 48-year-old man from Vidor, and the Audi driver, a 28-year-old man from Rosharon, were hospitalized with injuries. Officials have not yet publicly detailed the severity of their conditions.
The scale of the crash prompted a large emergency response involving state troopers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel. Highway 87 remained heavily impacted as investigators documented the scene, removed damaged vehicles, and worked to determine what caused the passenger van to cross into oncoming traffic.
At this stage, investigators continue examining all possible contributing factors, including roadway conditions, driver actions, and vehicle dynamics. Authorities have not yet announced a final determination regarding the cause of the collision, and the investigation remains active.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, LNG officials released a statement expressing condolences to the families affected and confirming cooperation with investigators. Officials noted that the passenger bus involved in the collision had been contracted through an EPC contractor and was empty at the time of the crash.
The growing death toll has left communities across the region grieving deeply. Families are now mourning loved ones whose lives ended suddenly in a tragedy that unfolded within moments. For many, the emotional weight of the crash has only intensified as additional victims succumb to injuries days after the incident.
Friends and loved ones of Caleb Burge are now remembering him not simply as another name connected to the accident, but as a young man whose life carried promise, relationships, and a future that was tragically interrupted. His passing has added another layer of heartbreak to a community already struggling to process the magnitude of the collision.
As authorities continue their investigation, residents throughout Sabine Pass and surrounding areas are left searching for answers while mourning one of the region’s most devastating roadway tragedies in recent memory.