Tragic Crash on I-45 Claims Life of Montgomery Woman in Multi-Vehicle Collision
Huntsville, TX — A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 45 southbound near Highway 30 claimed the life of a 64-year-old woman from Montgomery, Texas, on Sunday evening. The fatal accident, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m., involved a heavy-duty 18-wheeler, a Kia sedan, a flatbed trailer hauling a mini-excavator, and a pickup truck — creating a chaotic and heart-wrenching scene just south of Huntsville.
The victim has been identified as Mary Louise Sargent, a beloved mother, grandmother, and longtime Montgomery resident. According to authorities, the collision began when the 18-wheeler slammed into the rear of the Kia Sargent was traveling in, violently launching it forward. The force of the impact caused the Kia to crash into a trailer carrying heavy construction equipment — specifically a mini-excavator — and then catapulted the car onto the pickup truck towing the trailer.
Emergency responders from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Walker County EMS, and local fire departments rushed to the scene. Sadly, Mary Louise Sargent was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the impact.
A Complex and Violent Chain Reaction
The crash unfolded in a matter of seconds but involved multiple layers of force and movement that compounded the devastation. Witnesses at the scene reported a thunderous sound as the 18-wheeler plowed into the smaller vehicle. DPS officials described the incident as a “violent chain-reaction crash” — a stark example of how quickly a single mistake or lapse in attention on the highway can turn deadly.
Initial reports suggest that traffic was slowing or possibly stopped near the highway junction when the 18-wheeler failed to reduce speed in time. The investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains ongoing, including whether factors like speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or weather played a role.
A Life Remembered
Mary Louise Sargent was known for her warm heart, community involvement, and dedication to her family. Friends and neighbors describe her as someone who “lit up the room with her kindness and her laughter,” and who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Her death has sent shockwaves through the Montgomery community.
“She was the kind of person you were lucky to know,” said a family friend. “She didn’t deserve to go this way, and we are just shattered.”
A candlelight vigil is already being planned by loved ones and community members, and her family has requested privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss.
Calls for Roadway Safety
This latest tragedy has reignited calls for increased commercial vehicle oversight and highway safety reforms, especially along the I-45 corridor — one of the busiest and often most dangerous highways in Texas. Large trucks share the road with smaller passenger vehicles every day, and when crashes happen, it is often those in the smaller vehicles who pay the highest price.
Authorities urge drivers — especially those operating large commercial vehicles — to remain vigilant, obey speed limits, and maintain safe following distances. “We cannot stress enough how critical it is to drive cautiously, especially when traffic slows or stops on major highways,” said a DPS spokesperson. “The loss of even one life is too many.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday, the Texas Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the crash. The driver of the 18-wheeler has not yet been publicly identified, and it is unclear whether charges will be filed. All other individuals involved in the collision were reportedly treated at the scene or taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials are examining data from the truck’s onboard systems, as well as dashcam and witness footage, to piece together the events that led to the tragic collision.
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