Caleb Burge, 22, of Sabine Pass, Obituary, Fifth Victim Killed in Multi-Vehicle Highway 87 Crash Involving Passenger Van, Bus, and Audi as Families Mourn and Texas DPS Investigates

PORT ARTHUR, Texas- The Sabine Pass community is mourning the devastating loss of 22-year-old Caleb Burge, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 87 earlier this week. Burge’s death, confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), marks the fifth fatality connected to the tragic collision involving a passenger van, a bus, and an Audi on Monday afternoon, May 17, 2026. The escalating death toll has left families, friends, and neighbors reeling as authorities continue to investigate the causes of the horrific accident.

The Crash

According to DPS officials, the collision occurred around 4 p.m. on Highway 87 in Sabine Pass. Preliminary findings indicate that a Chevrolet Express passenger van traveling northwest crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a Prevost passenger bus traveling southeast. Following the initial impact, a third vehicle, an Audi, collided with the rear of the bus.

The violent nature of the crash left multiple victims fatally injured and others seriously hurt. Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, providing aid, coordinating transportation to area hospitals, and securing the crash site for investigative purposes.

Victims

Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including the van driver, 28-year-old Cesar Rojas of Baytown, and passengers Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 27, Angel Dominguez, 28, and Osvaldo Alvarez, 37. Caleb Burge, who had been hospitalized at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, later succumbed to his injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to five.

Several others were injured and transported to area hospitals. Among those still receiving medical care were passengers Raul Silberio Trujillo, 38, Rodolfo Garay Jr., 37, Fernando Rojas, 50, and Robert Zackery Sebastia Hoyt, 26. The bus driver, a 48-year-old man from Vidor, and the Audi driver, a 28-year-old man from Rosharon, were also hospitalized with injuries that remain under evaluation. Officials have not provided full details regarding the extent of their conditions.

Investigation

The Texas DPS and local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash, working to determine the precise factors that led the van to cross into oncoming traffic. Investigators are examining the vehicles involved, roadway conditions, possible driver error, environmental factors, and any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the collision. The crash scene remains under active review, with evidence collection and forensic reconstruction ongoing.

Officials are coordinating with emergency response teams, witnesses, and transportation authorities to reconstruct the sequence of events. The large scale of the accident and the number of vehicles involved require meticulous investigation to determine causation and any potential legal or civil accountability.

Community Response

The Sabine Pass community and surrounding areas have been deeply affected by the tragedy. Family, friends, and residents have shared condolences and support for the victims’ families as they navigate the grief of multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Community organizations and local authorities have mobilized to provide counseling, emotional support, and practical assistance to those affected.

Statements from the LNG company associated with the bus have expressed cooperation with investigators and condolences to all families impacted by the crash. Officials clarified that the bus was contracted through an EPC contractor and was empty at the time of the collision, mitigating further potential injuries.

Roadway Safety Concerns

This catastrophic incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding roadway safety, particularly on highways where large vehicles, passenger vans, and commercial buses operate alongside standard traffic. Authorities emphasize the importance of defensive driving, adherence to speed limits, and vigilance to prevent such accidents. Roadway design, visibility, and traffic conditions are all under review as part of the investigative process.

Memorials and Mourning

Caleb Burge, along with the other victims, is being remembered for his life and the impact he had on his family and community. Friends and relatives have shared remembrances of Burge as a young man full of promise, whose life ended tragically. Tributes have highlighted his personality, contributions, and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.

Community members are holding gatherings, vigils, and memorial services to honor the victims collectively, providing spaces for grief, reflection, and mutual support. These moments allow residents to recognize the human cost behind the statistics and to offer comfort to the families in their time of sorrow.

Ongoing Updates

As the Texas DPS continues its investigation, officials have pledged to release additional updates regarding the cause of the crash, potential charges, and any further findings that could clarify the circumstances of the accident. The public is urged to rely on verified sources for information and to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this difficult time.

Conclusion

The Highway 87 crash in Sabine Pass stands as one of the most severe roadway tragedies in the region’s recent history. The loss of Caleb Burge and four others underscores the catastrophic consequences of high-impact collisions involving multiple vehicles. Authorities remain committed to fully investigating the incident, determining the sequence of events, and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Rest in peace, Caleb Burge. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Gone too soon, forever remembered.

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