Texas — A nighttime collision on State Highway 171 turned into a devastating tragedy after a husband and wife were killed following a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were called to the highway near County Road 4223 at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, after multiple vehicles became involved in the collision.
According to investigators cited by local reports, the crash began when a northbound Ford Fiesta passed a pickup truck before moving back into the right lane.
The vehicle then struck equipment being pulled by a farm tractor, setting off a series of events that ultimately involved several other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Farm Equipment Debris Triggers Second Collision
According to a DPS report obtained by KWTX, the equipment being pulled by the tractor separated from the tractor after the initial impact.
The debris then became a hazard for southbound traffic.
A Chevrolet Traverse and Ford F-150 subsequently collided with the debris, adding to the already dangerous scene on the highway.
The crash quickly became more than a typical multi-vehicle collision as people began getting out of their damaged vehicles.
Among them were Katherine “Katie” Barton, 39, and her husband, Zachary Barton, 39, who had been traveling in the Ford F-150. A 12-year-old passenger from the Chevrolet Traverse also got out of the vehicle.
Couple Struck After Getting Out of Vehicle
According to the DPS report, Katie and Zachary had exited their Ford F-150 after the accident. The 12-year-old passenger also got out of the Traverse. While they were outside their vehicles, they were struck.
Katie was pronounced dead at the scene. Zachary was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.
The incident also left the 12-year-old passenger and the driver of the Ford Fiesta in critical condition. No additional injuries were reported by local outlets.
The crash remains particularly tragic because the Barton couple had survived the initial collision only to be struck after getting out of their vehicle.
Loved Ones Remember Texas Couple
The deaths have left friends and loved ones struggling to process the sudden loss. Katie and Zachary were parents to two children under the age of 6.
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Jason Overstreet, a friend of the couple and coworker, remembered Zachary as someone who was always willing to help others.
“Zach always had a smile and Zach wanted to help,” Overstreet told. The reality of losing both members of the couple has been difficult for those who knew them.
“It’s just really difficult to process that they’re gone,” Overstreet continued. “Heavy hearts and heartache, disbelief. It’s just such a horrible tragedy.”
Their deaths have now left their young family facing an unimaginable loss following the Texas highway crash.
Alcohol May Have Played a Role
DPS investigators are continuing to examine what caused the initial collision. Authorities said alcohol may have played a role in the first crash, though the investigation remains ongoing. The identities of the 12-year-old and the other critically injured person have not been released.
Officials have also not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the later impact that killed the Bartons.
As investigators work to piece together the sequence of events, the crash serves as a devastating reminder of how quickly conditions can become dangerous after a highway collision.
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