18-wheeler driver faces 5 manslaughter charges, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after multi-vehicle crash on I-20

KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — A man is facing five counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following a multi-vehicle crash on I-20 near Kaufman County on Saturday that left five people dead, officials said.

UPDATE: 4 dead, several injured in multi-vehicle crash backing up I-20 near Kaufman County

According to KXAS, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Alexis Gonzalez-Companioni fell asleep while driving an 18-wheeler that later crashed into stopped traffic.

The initial impact from Gonzalez-Companioni caused other vehicles to collide into each other, resulting in the deaths of five people.

Gonzalez-Companioni was driving westbound on I-20 when he ran into traffic near Hiram Road bridge, according to KXAS.

The Terrell Volunteer Fire Department said seven vehicles were involved in the crash including three 18-wheelers and four passenger vehicles.

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Kaufman County Jail records show that Gonzalez-Companioni was booked at 1:22 a.m. Sunday morning on five manslaughter charges and one aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge with a total bond of $1.5 million.

Longtime Tyler firefighter charged for driving while intoxicated

The westbound lanes of I-20 were closed for several hours following the crash as DPS conducted their investigation. Injured passengers were taken to a local hospital for treatment and their conditions are unknown at this time. According to TxDOT live cameras, the westbound and eastbound lanes of I-20 in this area are clear.

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