A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Highway 87 in Sabine Pass has now resulted in a fifth confirmed fatality, as authorities continue to investigate one of the most severe roadway incidents in the region in recent memory. The crash, which occurred on Monday afternoon, has left multiple families mourning and several survivors still recovering from serious injuries.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that 22-year-old Caleb Burge died from his injuries after being transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. His passing adds to the rising death toll connected to the collision, which involved a passenger van, a bus, and a third vehicle. Officials say the investigation remains active as they work to determine exactly how the crash unfolded and why one of the vehicles crossed into oncoming traffic.

The incident took place around 4 p.m. along Highway 87 in the Sabine Pass area. According to preliminary findings, a Chevrolet Express passenger van was traveling northwest when it veered into the opposite lane and struck a Prevost passenger bus traveling in the other direction. A third vehicle, an Audi, then collided with the rear of the bus shortly after the initial impact, further complicating the scene and contributing to the scale of the crash.

Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, including the driver of the van and several passengers. The victims have been identified as 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown, along with passengers Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas (27), Angel Dominguez (28), and Osvaldo Alvarez (37). With the later death of Caleb Burge, the total number of fatalities has now risen to five.

Several others were injured in the collision and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some have since been released, while others remain under medical care. Among the injured were multiple passengers from the van and bus, as well as both remaining drivers. Officials have not released detailed updates on their current conditions, citing the ongoing investigation and family notifications.

Emergency crews responded in large numbers following the crash, closing sections of the highway while investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. The scale of the response reflected the severity of the collision, which involved multiple heavy vehicles and resulted in widespread damage across the roadway.

In a statement, representatives connected to the transportation operations involved said they are cooperating fully with investigators and expressed condolences to the families affected. They also noted that the bus was operating under contract through an external contractor and was not carrying passengers at the time of the collision, a detail that authorities are considering as part of the broader investigation.

As officials continue reconstructing the sequence of events, the Sabine Pass community and surrounding areas are left grappling with grief and uncertainty. With the death toll still rising and key questions unanswered, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and determining what led to such a devastating chain of events on a normally routine stretch of highway.