Five Killed in Fiery Head‑On Collision on U.S. 281 in Burnet County

Five Killed in Fiery Head‑On Collision on U.S. 281 in Burnet County

On July 25, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a catastrophic collision occurred on U.S. Highway 281 near Park Road 4, between Marble Falls and Burnet in Burnet County, Texas

The Crash

A 2018 Dodge Ram 4500, towing a livestock trailer and traveling northbound, inexplicably crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head‑on with a Chevrolet Malibu

The force of the impact caused the Ram to swing around and strike a Mercedes SUV that was following behind the Malibu. The Mercedes overturned and was engulfed in flames, resulting in the immediate deaths of all five occupants at the scene

Victims Identified

The five victims, all passengers in the Mercedes, were later identified by the Texas Department of Public Safety as:

• Thalia Salinas

• Ruby Cruz

• Brianna Valadez

• Desiree Cervantez

• Jacqueline Velazco

What Investigators Are Looking Into

• The Texas DPS is leading the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash

• Initial reports focus on how the livestock trailer–hauling Ram crossed into the opposite lane.

• Additional factors under review may include vehicle maintenance, load securement, driver fatigue, or error.

Emergency Response & Road Impact

• Emergency teams responded swiftly, but the severity meant all five were pronounced dead at the scene.

• Traffic on U.S. 281 was halted for more than two hours while crews cleared the wreckage and conducted preliminary investigations

🕯️ In Memoriam

While the victims were named, little is yet known publicly about their backgrounds or lives. At this time, no memorial services or fund drives have been reported, though those details may become available as family or community organizations issue announcements.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

This tragedy highlights how devastating multi-vehicle accidents can be, especially when large equipment like livestock trailers are involved. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velazco. May their memories be a blessing and may they rest in peace.