Four-Vehicle Crash on Highway 62 Near Buna Sends Several to Hospitals, One Airlifted

BUNA, Texas — A major four-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on State Highway 62 near County Road 826 left several people injured, including one woman who was airlifted to a Houston hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The preliminary DPS investigation indicates that around 4:15 p.m., a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling north on Highway 62, followed by a 2013 Honda Odyssey. Troopers say the Honda attempted to pass the Chevrolet as it began to turn left onto County Road 826, striking the driver’s side of the Chevrolet.

After the impact, the Honda reportedly continued into a nearby parking lot, where it struck a parked Nissan Rogue, pushing it into a parked Mazda CX-9.

Authorities say the driver of the Chevrolet, a 42-year-old woman from Jasper, was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Honda, identified as 56-year-old Rita Caillier of Orange, was also transported to Baptist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two people were inside the parked Nissan at the time of the crash. A 78-year-old woman from Orange was flown by medical helicopter to a Houston hospital with life-threatening injuries, while her adult passenger was taken to a Beaumont hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 33-year-old Buna woman inside the parked Mazda was not injured, DPS confirmed.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist troopers at the scene, along with local fire and EMS crews. Sheriff Chuck Havard said the roadway was shut down temporarily to allow the helicopter to land safely.

“Our deputies assisted DPS with traffic control and scene safety until the roadway was cleared,” Havard said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who were stuck in the backup while first responders worked to help those involved.”

Traffic has fully reopened. The crash remains under investigation by DPS Troopers in the Southeast Texas Region.