News Summary
A horrifying crash in Burnet County near Dallas resulted in the deaths of five young women who were celebrating a birthday. The victims were in an SUV struck by a truck that veered into oncoming traffic. The community is mourning their loss and supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
Dallas – Five Young Women Killed in Fiery Birthday Celebration Crash
Five young women from the Dallas area tragically lost their lives in a crash on July 25, 2025, while traveling to celebrate a birthday in Kingsland, Texas. The victims, all in their early 20s, were aboard a Mercedes SUV when the vehicle was struck by a truck on U.S. 281 in Burnet County, just north of Austin. The horrific incident unfolded shortly after 9 p.m.
According to investigators, the crash was triggered when a 2018 RAM 4500 truck, towing a livestock trailer, veered into oncoming traffic. The vehicle first collided head-on with a Chevy Malibu, which was traveling in the southbound lane. The force of the impact caused the truck to continue in an arc, subsequently slamming into the Mercedes SUV that contained the five friends. The SUV flipped over and caught fire, and all five women were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velazco. Known for their close-knit friendship, Thalia’s family expressed profound sorrow over the loss, noting that the group had been friends since middle school. They were heading to Thalia’s favorite lake spot to celebrate her 23rd birthday when the tragic accident occurred.
In the wake of the incident, the local community has rallied to support the families of the victims. GoFundMe accounts have been set up for each of the five families to assist with funeral costs, reflecting the strong ties within the community and the shared grief felt by many. Memorials have also been established as a tribute to the lives lost.
While the five women were tragically killed, the drivers and passengers involved in the other vehicles suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Their names and conditions have not been publicly disclosed. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently conducting an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the actions of the truck driver. As of now, no charges have been announced in relation to the incident.
This devastating crash not only highlights the perils of road travel but also leaves a stark reminder of the fragility of life. With the investigation ongoing, families, friends, and the Dallas community are left to mourn a loss that has resonated deeply among those who knew and loved the young women.
As the investigation unfolds and more details become available, the local community continues to honor the memories of Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velazco, individuals who were taken too soon while simply gathering to celebrate a momentous occasion.
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW
- Wikipedia: Car Accidents in the United States
- Fox 4 News
- Google Search: Burnet County Crash Investigation
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Texas Car Crash
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WFAA
- Google News: Dallas Car Crash
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
