At least 16 people sustained injuries after a stolen 18-wheeler crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety office on Friday, ABC 13 Eyewitness News reports.
“According to officials from Texas DPS – Southeast Texas Region, the vehicle intentionally ran into the Brenham DPS Office at about 10:41 a.m.,” the outlet stated.
“Currently, numerous law enforcement and other emergency personnel are on the scene in Brenham, Texas after an 18-wheeler truck, carrying heavy loads of some type of heavy equipment, intentionally rammed into the Department of Public Safety office, injuring at least 16 people, with numerous individuals in severe to critical condition,” Rawsalerts wrote.
“The Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated that a male suspect stole the 18-wheeler truck and intentionally targeted the DPS Office after they denied his CDL license on Thursday. The driver has been taken into custody. Officials are urging everyone to avoid the area as they investigate the incident, as this is still a developing situation,” the post continued.
WATCH:
🚨#BREAKING: An 18 wheeler has intentionally rammed into a Texas department station after it was stolen severely injuring over dozen people
⁰📌#Brenham | #Texas⁰
Currently, numerous law enforcement and other emergency personnel are on the scene in Brenham, Texas after an… pic.twitter.com/U1E8EadRw0— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 12, 2024
ABC 13 Eyewitness News reports:
Of the more than a dozen people injured, DPS said three were flown to the hospital in critical condition.
The suspected driver of the 18-wheeler was arrested at the scene and refused treatment, officials said.
Authorities said there was no further threat to the community.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough shared a post on Facebook, saying, in part, “Pray for our Texas DPS as they’re experiencing a mass casualty incident in Brenham with a major vehicle accident at their office.”
No fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
We can confirm that the Texas Rangers are investigating this incident. A suspect has been arrested and there is no further threat to the community.
Additional resources are en route to assist.
Please continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/i1ur36ZcaM
— TxDPS – Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) April 12, 2024
BREAKING: Driver of stolen truck intentionally rams Department of Public Safety office in Brenham, Texas, injuring at least 16 people pic.twitter.com/uoXMBf1JcU
— BNO News (@BNONews) April 12, 2024
KBTX noted:
Three of those people were in critical condition and taken by medical helicopter to area hospitals, including St. Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan. Two more people were in stable condition and taken by ambulance, while others were treated on scene for minor injuries.
DPS confirms Texas Rangers are now investigating the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Drivers are asked to stay clear of the area as investigators and medical personnel continue their response.