5 dead in fiery Texas highway crash, authorities say

LAMPASAS, Texas (KEYE) — According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), a tire blowout caused a two-vehicle crash that killed five people.

It occurred just before 6 a.m. Wednesday north of Lampasas on US Highway 281.

According to DPS, the crash occurred when a southbound 2004 Cadillac CTS blew a rear tire, causing it to lose control and veer into oncoming traffic. According to DPS, the Cadillac collided with a northbound 2024 Kia ​​Telluride at mile marker 406.

Authorities identified the driver of the Cadillac as Jacinto Gudino Duran, 31, of Copperas Cove, Texas. A 23-year-old female passenger from Copperas Cove was also in the vehicle.

The Kia was driven by Arvind Mani, 45, of Leander, Texas. The passengers were identified as Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and Andril Arvind, 17.

All five occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, DPS said.

Witnesses reported that the Cadillac was traveling at high speed before the accident scene, authorities said. The investigating officer found that both vehicles were significantly damaged.

The investigation is ongoing.