19 Car Collision Leaves 12 People in Heaven

PatNet News Reports

Deadly 19-Vehicle Pileup on Texas Interstate Leaves 12 Dead, Dozens Injured

Dallas, TX – March 2, 2025 – A catastrophic 19-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 near Dallas, Texas, left 12 people dead and dozens injured on Saturday afternoon, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in recent Texas history. The massive chain-reaction collision, which involved cars, SUVs, and multiple semi-trucks, was triggered amid dense fog and wet road conditions, reducing visibility to near zero.

According to Texas State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on the northbound lanes of I-35 near Waxahachie, about 30 miles south of downtown Dallas. Initial reports suggest that a tractor-trailer traveling at high speed was unable to stop in time due to the fog and slippery asphalt, setting off a deadly domino effect as vehicles behind it crashed into one another.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and Texas Department of Transportation officials, rushed to the scene, where they found a chaotic and devastating wreckage. Some vehicles were completely crushed, while others had caught fire due to fuel leaks from damaged trucks. First responders worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the wreckage and transport the critically injured to nearby hospitals.

Victim Identified: Michael Root Among the Deceased

Among the 12 confirmed fatalities was 44-year-old Michael Root, a Dallas resident who was returning home from a weekend trip to Austin. His family described him as a hardworking and kind-hearted young man with a passion for helping others.

"He had his whole life ahead of him," said his sister, Emily Root, in a tearful interview. "Michael was the kind of person who would drop everything to help a friend in need. It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone."

Authorities are still in the process of notifying families of the deceased. In addition to the 12 fatalities, at least 37 people were injured, some in critical condition, and transported to Baylor University Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital for emergency care.

Eyewitness Accounts Describe "Absolute Horror"

Several survivors and witnesses described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. David Wilson, a motorist who narrowly avoided the collision, recalled the chaos as the fog thickened.

“I could barely see 10 feet in front of me,” Wilson said. “All of a sudden, I heard a loud boom, and then more crashes, one after another. I slammed my brakes just in time, but I saw cars flipping and people running for their lives.”

Jessica Lopez, a passenger in one of the vehicles caught in the pileup, said she and her husband were trapped for nearly 30 minutes before emergency crews arrived.

“It was terrifying. We couldn’t open the doors because there was wreckage on both sides. We were just sitting there, hoping no other cars would hit us,” Lopez said. “When I saw fire start to spread from one of the trucks, I thought we weren’t going to make it.”

Authorities Investigate Cause of Pileup

Texas Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the deadly crash. While the dense fog and wet roads are believed to be contributing factors, authorities are also examining whether speeding, distracted driving, or mechanical failures played a role.

“We urge all drivers to be extremely cautious when traveling in hazardous conditions,” said Sgt. Daniel Carter of the Texas Highway Patrol. “Even a few seconds of reckless driving in poor visibility can lead to a tragedy of this magnitude.”

Governor Abbott Responds

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a public statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and assuring that state resources are being mobilized to assist in the aftermath.

“This is a heartbreaking day for our state,” Abbott said. “The lives lost in this terrible accident are a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We will work closely with law enforcement and safety officials to prevent incidents like this in the future.”

Highway Closure and Traffic Disruptions

I-35 remains closed in both directions near the accident site as cleanup efforts continue. Authorities estimate that it could take at least 12 hours to clear the wreckage and fully reopen the highway.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes. The Texas Department of Transportation has set up detours and is advising motorists to check real-time traffic updates before traveling.

Community Comes Together

In the wake of the tragedy, local residents and businesses have stepped up to offer assistance. Churches in Waxahachie are organizing prayer vigils, and local blood banks have reported a surge in donations for those injured in the crash.

“It’s times like these when our community needs to come together,” said Pastor Robert Hensley of the Waxahachie Community Church. “We may not be able to undo what happened, but we can support those who are grieving.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities expect to release further details as the investigation continues. Officials urge anyone with dashcam footage or additional information regarding the crash to contact the Texas Highway Patrol tip line.

This remains a developing story, and updates will follow as more details emerge.