The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers are investigating a fatality crash in Hardin County on Farm-to-Market Road 92, near Jim Burns Road, that occurred Friday, July 25, 2025.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 11:35 p.m., a commercial motor vehicle was traveling south on F.M. 92. It is reported that the driver of a utility vehicle (UTV) pulled out from Jim Burns Road in front of the commercial motor vehicle and was struck. After emergency responders arrived, a secondary crash occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu drove through the crash scene and struck a Hardin County patrol unit that was sitting stationary with its emergency lighting on.
There were five people on the utility vehicle, four of which were pronounced deceased on scene by a Justice of the Peace, and one transported to Hermann Memorial for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
The four deceased are all from Kountze. They include Terry Smart, 63, Melissa Smart, 33, Otis Smart, 46, and Triston Smart, 26.
The driver of the commercial motor vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Arthur Jones of Houston, was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver involved in the secondary crash, identified as 44-year-old Kristy Biggs of Spurger, was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The patrol deputy, identified as Deputy Droddy, was not injured.
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