Two Die in Head-On Collision on Highway 77

Two women died and another man remains in critical condition following a head-on collision on US 77 near Rabbs Prairie on Sunday, Jan. 16.

The wreck happened around 11:39 a.m. on Hwy. 77 near Rabbs Prairie Rd., according to a report from Trooper Josh Berger of the Texas Highway Patrol. Berger said a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 heading south on US 77 crossed the center line and struck a 2020 Ford Expedition that was heading north. The two vehicles collided driver-side to driver-side, Berger said. The Expedition went into the ditch on the east side of the road where it caught fire and burned. Two women from Louise, ages 30 and 63, died at the scene.

The GMC went into the northbound lane and struck a guardrail. The driver, a 67 yearold man from Iola, was trapped inside. La Grange Volunteer Fire Department extricated the driver, who was the sole occupant. Fayette County EMS stabilized the driver for transport. A PHI air ambulance helicopter transported him to Austin for hospitalization. Berger said he remained in critical condition as of Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Flying debris struck and disabled a third vehicle, a 2020 Ford Fusion. Berger said the driver and passenger were a husband and wife from Plano, ages 72 and 69. Neither were injured, but the Fusion had to be towed from the scene.

The burning Expedition started a grass fire on the east side of the road. La Grange firefighters contained it once they rescued the driver of the GMC.

The crash remains under investigation. Berger said he does not believe alcohol was a contributing factor, although he was awaiting a toxicology report before ruling out that possibility. Berger said has not been able to determine why the GMC crossed the centerline, since the driver remains incapacitated and unavailable for questioning.