Two killed in Labor Day accident

Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Labor Day in Milam County.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Bryan Washko, 58-year-old Maria Reina Franco of Louise and 52-year-old Orfelinda Martinez Mullins of Mineola were both killed Monday. 

Milam County deputies, DPS troopers, EMS, and Cameron and Minerva Volunteer Fire Departments all responded to a five-vehicle crash about 3:15 p.m. Monday on US 77 near CR 232 Loop. 

Investigators learned a 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup hauling a fifth-wheel travel trailer and operated by a 40-year-old Cameron man was northbound on US 77 and being followed by a 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup hauling a cattle trailer and operated by a 39-year-old Temple man. 

Washko said a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup operated by a 38-year-old Cameron man was northbound behind the two other trucks when it struck the cattle trailer, causing it to separate. The cattle trailer went into the northbound ditch and collided with the travel trailer. 

The 2013 Ram then went across the centerline and into the southbound lane where it struck a southbound 2019 Chevy pickup driven by a 58-year-old Louise man. As that crash occurred, a 2020 Chevy Equinox operated by Mullins approached the scene in the northbound lanes and swerved to avoid the crashes when it also collided with the Chevy truck. 

Both Franco, who was a passenger in the Chevy truck, and Mullins were pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of the 2017 Ram 3500 and the 2013 Ram 3500 were not hurt. The driver of the Chevy truck was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries. 

This investigation remains active and open.