The Texas Department of Public Safety issued the following information on Thursday’s multi-vehicle near Cross Plains.

A four-vehicle accident took place at 3:34 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 on State Highway 206, two-tenths of a mile south of Cross Plains. The four vehicles were a 2019 Ford F-250 pickup truck towing a 2023 Haul box semi-trailer; a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck; a 2018 Honda Accord passenger car; and a  2019 Honda Civic, passenger car.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Ford F-250 was towing a trailer and traveling south on SH 206.  The Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north on SH 206 with Honda Accord and Honda Civic following.  Due to raining conditions and driving at an unsafe speed for the roadway conditions, the Ford F-250 driver lost control the towed trailer as it began swaying violently.  The Ford F-250, now out of control, entered the northbound lane.  Ford F-250 and the Chevrolet Silverado collided head on.  After the collision of Ford F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado, the Ford F-250’s towed trailer continued in the northbound lanes causing Honda Accord to strike the trailer.  The Honda Civi’s driver observed the collisions and attempted to take evasive action but lost control of the vehicle leaving the roadway and striking a fence post. The weather conditions were rainy and the road was wet, according to the DPS. All persons involved in the accident were wearing seat belts.

Tristan Andrew Reidhaar, 28, from Viola, Delaware, a passenger in the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the injured were from the immediate area.

Seven of the nine injured were transported to Hendrick North Hospital in Abilene, one with incapacitating injuries in critical condition – the driver of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.