Midnight Update

Officials in Madison County have released the identities of two people killed in a fiery crash Wednesday afternoon.

The victims are identified as 55 year old Randy Harper from Diamond, Missouri and 50 year old Paula Pinkley from Cassville, Missouri.

Police say the driver of the pickup, 19 year old Matthew Halvorson of Lufkin, is now in stable condition at St. Joseph Health System in Bryan.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
Officials believe Halvorson is a Texas A&M student.

The Madisonville Police Department is investigating the crash with the assistance of the Highway Patrol.

-----------------------------------
An 18-wheeler and pickup traveling in opposite directions on Highway 21 collided Wednesday, leaving two dead and another person seriously injured.

The road at the western Madisonville city limits has now reopened. It was completely shut down as emergency crews worked at the scene.

According to Madisonville Police, the pickup was heading east when it crossed the center line and hit head-on with the 18-wheeler. Chief Chuck May says signs are pointing to the driver of the pickup falling asleep at the wheel.

The 18-wheeler caught fire following the collision. The two people inside died at the scene. They were a boyfriend and girlfriend. The truck was carrying cages to haul chickens, but they were empty at the time of the crash.

The driver of the pickup was taken by PHI air medical helicopter to St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan. His condition is unknown.

The identities of those involved have not yet been released. Next of kin of the deceased have yet to be notified as of Wednesday evening.

May says in his career, he has never seen an accident this bad.