Police: 2 dead, 2 injured in multi-vehicle crash

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024

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Two people died and two others were injured in a five-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Loop 323 in Tyler.

Tyler Police Department responded to the crash, which occurred just after 1 p.m. at West Elm Street and SSW Loop 323. An 18-wheeler and four vehicles were involved.

The occupants of one vehicle died on scene, said TPD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh. Two others were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Erbaugh said a GMC SUV was on W Elm Street on the west side of the Loop and was attempting to turn north onto the SSW Loop but pulled in front of a southbound semi-truck, according to the investigation. The semi-truck struck the GMC.

The crash pushed both vehicles into the northbound lanes. Three vehicles that were in the northbound turn lane were struck.



The victims have been identified as William Connerly, an 82-year-old male and Shirley Connerly, a 79-year-old female, both from Kerens. Next of kin has been notified.

Photos of the crash and descriptions of vehicles were not published at tylerpaper.com or in the Tyler Morning Telegraph until necessary notifications had been made.

All northbound lanes of SSW Loop 323 were closed for hours as authorities worked to clear the scene and conduct necessary investigation. Texas Department of Public Safety also responded, Erbaugh said. Loop 323 is now open and the road is cleared.