The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate a deadly, fiery accident that occurred in Bowie County Thursday evening.

Authorities say the accident happened around 5:40PM and claimed a life. DPS have identified the victim as Heather Vanessa Higgs of New Boston, Texas. They say traffic had slowed due to a minor accident just to the west, when an 18 wheeler slammed into the back of the vehicle Higgs was driving.

This forced that car into another 18 wheeler, and several other vehicles were struck by the first big rig. Several vehicles burst into flames including the one the victim was driving.

Higgs was pronounced dead at the scene and several other people were taken to local hospitals with undetermined injuries.

Interstate 30 westbound was shut down for more than six hours while the accident scene was cleared and the investigation was begun. The interstate re-opened around 1AM.

The DPS will continue to investigate this terrible tragic accident.

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