Cannette Fry, Brian Scruggs, Justin Benton, Tyler Elkhatib and Isabelle Benton Injured in Anderson County Three-Vehicle Crash on U.S. Highway 287 near Elkhart

Anderson County, Texas – One person was killed and five others were injured Saturday evening in a three-vehicle crash in Anderson County, according to the Texas DPS.

The fatal crash happened around 6:18 p.m., January 27, on U.S. Highway 287 near Elkhart.

DPS said Brian Scruggs, 21, of Elkhart, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado southbound behind a Honda Accord driven by Cannette Fry, 48, of Palestine.

Scruggs rear-ended the Accord, pushing it into oncoming traffic where it crashed head-on into a Ford Taurus driven by Justin Benton, 23, of Elkhart.

Scruggs then overcorrected, drove off the roadway, and hit a tree.

Mary Merlino, 22, of Mineola, who was a passenger in the Taurus, was killed in the crash.

Benton and another passenger, 1-year-old Isabelle Benton, were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Fry and a passenger, Tyler Elkhatib, 18, of Palestine, were taken to a local medical center for treatment. 

Scruggs was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

The DPS is investigating the crash.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.