Fatal 18-Wheeler Crash on Hwy 63 East Under Investigation

Photo courtesy of East End VFD.

Emergency crews responded to a fatal single-vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler Monday afternoon on Highway 63 East in Newton County, just west of Burkeville.

Initial reports of the crash came in around 3:45 p.m., with emergency responders dispatched to the area near 2060 Highway 63 East. The Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department was first on scene and requested mutual aid from East End Volunteer Fire Department to assist with the Jaws of Life and traffic control.

Upon arrival, crews discovered that an 18-wheeler had left the roadway for unknown reasons and collided with a tree. The crash tragically resulted in one confirmed fatality.

Around 4:30 p.m., the Newton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that State Highway 63 was shut down west of Burkeville. Deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers remained on scene, and the roadway was expected to be closed for several hours. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes while emergency personnel continued to manage the scene and conduct an investigation.

East End VFD responded with two engines, one brush truck, and five personnel, supporting rescue and recovery operations alongside several agencies:

• Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department

• Texas Department of Public Safety

• Texas Department of Transportation

• Jasper Exxon Towing & Recovery

• Newton County Sheriff’s Office

• Allegiance Mobile Health – Jasper EMS

Burkeville VFD remained on scene into the evening hours to oversee cleanup operations and ensure roadway safety.

As of 6:30 p.m., the identity of the victim had not been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. DPS is leading the investigation.

The East Texas Banner will provide updates once they are available.

Photos courtesy of East End VFD.