Grimes County, Texas (January 22, 2026) — Three Hempstead residents were killed Thursday afternoon in a violent two-vehicle collision on State Highway 6 near the Grimes–Waller County line after an 18-wheeler crossed the center median and struck their pickup truck head-on, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, along Highway 6. DPS troopers reported that a 2020 Freightliner 18-wheeler was traveling northbound when, for reasons not yet explained, it crossed the center median and entered southbound traffic.
The semi-truck collided with a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz traveling southbound. Authorities identified the occupants of the Hyundai as driver Charles Ortega, 45, and passengers Travis Morehead, 46, and Ryan Morehead, 21, all of Hempstead.
All three men suffered fatal injuries. DPS said they were pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after being transported to St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital. No additional details were released regarding the condition of the semi-truck driver or whether any other vehicles were involved.
Highway 6 is a major north–south corridor frequently used by commercial traffic, and the crash occurred during daylight hours, when traffic volumes are often significant.
Investigation: Texas DPS troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision. In crashes involving commercial trucks crossing a median, investigators typically focus on why the vehicle left its travel lane, including potential mechanical failures, driver fatigue, distraction, medical emergencies, or loss of control.
Investigators will examine physical evidence such as tire and gouge marks, debris, and vehicle placement, and if accessible, analyze the semi-truck’s electronic control module data to determine how the Freightliner crossed the median. The investigation will also assess the roadway design, including median width and barrier effectiveness, along with weather conditions, road surface, and traffic flow.
Additionally, DPS may examine the truck’s maintenance records, inspection history, and the driver’s hours-of-service logs to determine whether federal and state commercial driving regulations were followed. Median-crossing crashes involving 18-wheelers often result in catastrophic outcomes and attract heightened scrutiny due to the extreme danger they pose to oncoming motorists.
Legal Considerations: When a commercial truck crosses into opposing traffic, serious questions of accountability arise. Determining civil liability requires evaluating the driver, vehicle maintenance, regulatory compliance, and the trucking company’s oversight. Passenger vehicle occupants are often unable to avoid collisions with 18-wheelers entering oncoming lanes.
These cases often require detailed investigation, expert accident reconstruction, and review of commercial insurance coverage to fully understand how the crash occurred and whether it was preventable. Accountability is not only about compensation but also about ensuring that safety failures are identified and corrected to prevent future tragedies.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the Morehead and Ortega families may consider pursuing wrongful death claims to address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional harm caused by the sudden loss of loved ones.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and community members mourning the loss of Charles, Travis, and Ryan.
Source: KBTX News