Texas DPS: Vehicle splits in half, catches fire in deadly crash after police chases

MILAM COUNTY, Texas (KWTX) — A 23-year-old man died in a crash Thursday after leading police on two separate chases that were called off before the fatal accident, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Sirvaugh Markell Rougeau of Milano was killed when his vehicle hit a tree and caught fire on County Road 464, DPS said.

The Thrall Police Department had chased Rougeau’s vehicle earlier but ended the pursuit, according to authorities. The Thorndale Police Department later tried to chase the same vehicle but also called off their pursuit, DPS said.

Local deputies were searching the area for the vehicle when the crash happened minutes later, authorities said.

DPS said Rougeau was driving east on County Road 464 at a high speed when he approached the intersection of County Road 430. He tried to brake and turn left, but the vehicle went into a skid and left the road into the north ditch, according to authorities.

The vehicle hit a tree and split into two parts before catching fire, DPS said. Rougeau was found outside the vehicle near where it first hit the tree, according to authorities.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, DPS said. His family has been notified.

The crash investigation is ongoing, according to authorities.

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