Merkel Man Killed in Multiple Car Crash on I-20

MERKEL, TX – A Merkel man was killed on Thursday morning on I-20 in a crash with a big rig.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, on Feb. 3 at around 7:20 a.m., troopers with the Texas DPS were dispatched to I-20 near MM 276 for the report of a major crash involving three vehicles.

When they arrived, the troopers discovered a 2022 Freightliner towing a trailer, a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, and a 2010 Toyota Corolla that had crashed near the exit ramp.

All three of the vehicles were occupied solely by the drivers. The truck driver was not injured. The driver of the Corolla, a 27-year-old female, was transported to Hendrick Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. 

The driver of the Grand Prix, Jason Keubler, 46, of Merkel, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to Abilene Professional Services.

DPS confirmed that the semi, followed by the Grand Prix, were traveling East on IH-20 in the  righthand lane and were preparing to exit IH-20 due to a vehicle crash ahead.

The Corolla, also traveling East, came up from behind and struck the back of the Grand Prix causing it to strike the back end of the semi. Everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

 At the tie the road condition was dry and the weather was partly cloudy. The posted speed limit at this location is 75 mph.