HARDIN COUNTY, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released details regarding a tragic collision that occurred on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near Jim Burns Road, claiming the lives of four individuals and leaving one in critical condition. The incident, which took place on the night of July 25, 2025, involved a utility vehicle (UTV) and a commercial 18-wheeler.
The deceased have been identified as:
– Otis Smart, 46
– Melissa Smart, 33
– Triston Smart, 26
– Terry Smart, 63
All four victims were residents of Kountze, Texas, and were traveling together in the UTV at the time of the crash.
A fifth passenger, 30-year-old Kali Smart, also of Kountze, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston, where she remains in critical condition.
According to the preliminary investigation by DPS, the crash occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. when the UTV, traveling from Jim Burns Road, pulled into the southbound lane of FM 92 and was struck by an oncoming commercial motor vehicle. All four victims in the UTV were pronounced deceased at the scene by Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Rod Ousley, who has ordered autopsies to further examine the circumstances of their deaths.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, identified as 34-year-old Arthur Jones of Houston, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont for treatment.
In the aftermath of the initial collision, a secondary crash occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 44-year-old Kristy Biggs of Spurger, drove through the accident scene and collided with a stationary Hardin County patrol unit, which had its emergency lights activated. Deputy Ramsey Droddy, who was inside the patrol vehicle at the time, was unharmed. Biggs was also taken to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This devastating accident has sent shockwaves through the Hardin County community, leaving family and friends mourning the loss of four lives and praying for the recovery of the sole survivor. The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate both collisions to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic events.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.