Staff report

Three area teenagers were killed and one was critically injured Sunday evening when the vehicle in which they were traveling was involved in a multi-vehicle wreck near in Hardin County.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said in an issued statement that the collision occurred around 5:45 p.m. on FM 787 near Saratoga.

Initial reports said a 2015 Nissan Rogue, traveling west on 787, was followed by a 2003 Chrysler van. The Nissan’s driver stopped to make a left onto Hunter Road, with the Chrysler van stopped behind it.

DPS said with both vehicles stopped, a third vehicle, a 2013 Chrysler 200 passenger vehicle, rear-ended the Chrysler van. DPS said the collision pushed the van into the Nissan and caused the Chrysler 200 to spin into the eastbound traffic lanes. The Chrysler 200 was then struck by a 2003 Ford.

Justice of the Peace Jackie Werner pronounced Caringtin Mosley, 18, of Batson, driver of the Chrysler 200, dead at the scene. Werner also pronounced Mosley’s passengers, Garrett Saulters,18, of Votaw and Alix Neel,18,of Batson, deceased.

Injuries included:

• Jaron Benavides, 17, of Kountze, the fourth occupant of the Chrysler 200.
• Kenneth Mathews, 71, of Beaumont, driver of the van.
• Arthur McMahon, 75, of Thicket, driver of the Ford.

All three were taken to St. Elizabeth’s with serious injuries.

The driver of the Nissan, 74-year-old Margaret McAdams of Saratoga, was not injured.
The investigation was continuing, DPS said.