Franklin, Texas – A tragic multi-vehicle crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Diana Burleson from Franklin, Texas, earlier this week. The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 6 and FM 2549 in Robertson County, and it also left three others injured, including a 10-year-old child.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the collision involved a truck towing a trailer that struck a sedan turning onto the highway. The sedan was then pushed into a hatchback before colliding head-on with an 18-wheeler. The impact of the crash was so severe that Burleson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has drawn significant attention, especially from local residents who have long expressed concerns about the safety of Highway 6. Sandra Dean, a Bryan resident who has lived near the area for nearly three decades, spoke out about the dangers of the road, citing speeding and driver distraction as major factors contributing to frequent accidents. Dean has called for the installation of cement barriers and a reduction in the speed limit to prevent future tragedies.
Chief Deputy Bill Ruland of the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office echoed these concerns, urging drivers to slow down and avoid unnecessary lane changes. He highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in patrolling the congested and undivided stretch of Highway 6.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has reported that nearly 350 crashes have occurred on Highway 6 between Bryan and Hearne over the past five years. The intersection of Highway 6 and FM 2549 alone has been the site of 13 accidents resulting in 11 fatalities. In response, TxDOT is currently conducting a study aimed at improving safety and mobility along this dangerous stretch of road.
The community has expressed its grief and support for Burleson’s family. On social media, many have shared their condolences. Melissa Martinez posted, "Prayers for her family!" while Sande Herring simply wrote, "Prayers." Others, like Isabel Jones Gallup, have raised questions about the circumstances of the crash, asking, "And what happened to the pickup truck driver who was the cause of it all?"
As the investigation into the accident continues, the community mourns the loss of Diana Burleson, a beloved member of Franklin whose life was tragically cut short.