Ann Burns, Charles Burns Killed, 1 Injured in 18-wheeler Accident in Newton County, TX
Newton County, TX — July 21, 2025, Ann Burns and Charles Burns were killed and one other was hurt after an 18-wheeler accident at 3:00 p.m. on Highway 87.
According to initial details about the crash, it took place north of Deweyville and east of Buna, just off the intersection with FM 253.
Investigators said in preliminary statements that 86-year-old Ann Burns and 90-year-old Charles Burns were in a Buick Envision traveling northbound at the time. In a series of events not confirmed right now, the Buick and an oncoming 18-wheeler crossed paths. This resulted in a collision.
Both Ann Burns and Charles Burns died as a result of the collision. The truck driver sustained reportedly minor injuries. At this time, additional details are unavailable.
Commentary
When a passenger vehicle and an oncoming 18-wheeler collide, the outcome is often severe. But until the cause is confirmed, it’s critical to secure every piece of evidence that could explain what happened.
Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Crashes involving large trucks can be complex, and not all responding agencies have the tools, training, or time to reconstruct them properly. A full investigation should include precise scene mapping, analysis of skid and yaw marks, and detailed damage assessments to determine each vehicle’s movement and timing. Without this work, important details can be lost.
Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Brake or steering failures in either the truck or the car could lead to a lane departure or loss of control. Beyond that, defects in seatbelts or airbags can make injuries far worse than they should have been. Prompt inspections of both vehicles are essential before repairs, salvage, or weather erase critical evidence.
Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Engine Control Modules (ECMs) in both vehicles may hold vital data—speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before impact. Camera footage and cellphone records can add further context about driver actions or possible distractions. This information is time-sensitive and should be preserved immediately.
When the cause isn’t known, securing evidence early is the only way to replace speculation with facts. Without it, the victims' loved ones may be left wondering what happened instead of working toward a proper resolution.
Takeaways:
- Large truck crashes require advanced reconstruction to uncover the full sequence of events.
- Mechanical or safety system defects can cause or worsen the outcome of a collision.
- ECM data, cameras, and cellphone records must be collected promptly to protect key evidence.
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