Traffic along Interstate 20 just west of Farm-to-Market 429 was brought to a halt Aug. 28 following a three-vehicle accident that ultimately resulted in multiple people being airlifted from the scene.

According to information provided by the College Mound Fire Department, “Elmo firefighters were dispatched to a three-vehicle accident at approximately 6 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find multiple people injured and a man trapped in a badly damaged overturned pickup.

“Mutual aid was requested bringing firefighters from College Mound Fire Department and the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department to the scene. CareFlite responded multiple ambulances, two helicopters and an EMS supervisor to this mass casualty incident.

“This incident involved twelve people, nine of which required transport. One of the nine injured was a good samaritan. The man was injured while attempting to aid a seriously injured victim trapped in the overturned pickup. He was transported by ambulance but is expected to recover.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety provided further information regarding the accident a short time later noting, “Highway Patrol Troopers were dispatched to a major crash at Interstate 20 just west of F.M. 429. Preliminary investigation indicates that a Chevy pickup truck was traveling westbound on Interstate 20. As traffic began to slow due to previous congestion, for an as of yet to be determined reason, the pickup truck failed to slow down striking 2013 Kia Optima in the rear.

“The impact caused the Chevy pickup truck to go airborne striking a Chevy Equinox on the descend. In the Chevy pickup truck there were four occupants. All the occupants were transported to Baylor of Dallas, and one of the occupants was in critical condition. In the Kia Optima there were four occupants. One of the occupants was transported to UT Health in Tyler, and the other three were transported to Methodist of Dallas with one in critical condition. The Chevy Equinox had a total of three occupants and none were injured.”

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.