UPDATE: The drivers of the vehicles involved in Thursday’s fatal tanker truck crash have been identified by Texas Department of Public Safety.

The driver of the 18-wheeler has been identified as Gaylon Wilson, 45, of Tyler, and he was transported to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries, according to DPS.

Jose Manuel Robles, 42, of Tyler, was identified as the driver of the 2006 Chevrolet pickup and he was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Pat McCrory.


RUSK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – One person has been reported dead after a major crash on U.S. Highway 259 and FM 850 between Henderson and Kilgore Thursday morning involving a tractor trailer tanker truck that officials said is “leaking large amounts of what appears to be some type of oil product.”

Officials said shortly after that another car had struck debris from the initial crash, and to avoid the area and find alternate routes.

“Expect major delays for an extended time,” officials said.

According to the Crims Chapel VFD, multiple fire and rescue agencies responded to the crash around 6:50 a.m. where it was reported that an 18-wheeler was on top of another vehicle with entrapment.

DPS reported the tanker truck to be leaking an “oil product” around 6:55 a.m., according to Crims Chapel VFD, and TxDOT was requested to the area.