Mount Pleasant, TX (April 12, 2025) – A routine school field trip turned tragic on Friday when a vehicle crashed into a CiCi’s Pizza, injuring multiple sixth-grade students from Chapel Hill ISD.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the scene on the 600 block of South Jefferson Ave around 11:20 a.m. after receiving reports that a vehicle had driven into the restaurant. Authorities later confirmed that a 79-year-old driver of a Toyota 4-Runner may have accidentally backed into a pickup truck before accelerating into the building, where dozens of students were gathered for lunch.
Mount Pleasant Police Chief Mark Buhman stated that around 30 to 50 students were present at the time of the crash, many of them outside. Tragically, ten people were injured, including six children and four adults. One individual remains in critical condition. Emergency personnel arrived within minutes, according to a district update, and the injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for further medical care.
Staff and counselors were made available for students and families following the incident. Those who were not injured were either reunited with their parents or returned to school under staff supervision.
The SUV driver was evaluated and cleared at the scene, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Texas
Car accidents remain one of the most frequent causes of injury across Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2023, there was at least one crash every 57 seconds across the state. While not all collisions lead to serious injuries, thousands of Texans are hospitalized each year due to vehicle-related incidents.
When children are involved, the emotional and physical impact can be especially severe. Below are a few common injuries that can result from vehicle accidents:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
Whether from the impact of a crash or being struck by debris, fractures are common injuries in motor vehicle incidents. These can range from minor breaks to serious compound fractures, often requiring surgery and physical therapy. - Head Injuries and Concussions
Head trauma can occur even in low-speed crashes. These injuries may not always be obvious at first and can lead to lasting cognitive or emotional effects if left untreated. - Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can impact muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries might not appear immediately but can cause lingering pain and limited mobility. - Emotional Trauma
Especially in accidents involving children, the psychological effects can be long-lasting. Anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fear of travel are common symptoms and may require therapy.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, call our Mount Pleasant car accident attorneys. Acting quickly is vital—not only to protect your rights, but also to preserve crucial evidence and help you receive proper care. Insurance companies may begin gathering statements and documentation immediately, and having legal support early can help ensure you aren’t taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.
Call our auto accident attorneys today. At The McGuire Firm, we’re proud to support accident victims across East Texas. Our attorneys have worked over 3,000 cases, helping people move from pain and confusion toward healing and recovery. We’ve seen how hard it is to find direction after a serious injury. That’s why our fees are tied directly to your results—you won’t pay us unless we win for you. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, we anticipate what insurance companies will do and fight back. We offer free consultations and take the time to listen to your story. Reach out to our team today at (903) 630-7154 to start your path toward peace and justice.
