Local News
22-year-old Mason Alkire Killed in Jones County Motorcycle Crash
Mason Alkire, a 22-year-old man from Barton, Maryland, was killed Monday evening in a motorcycle crash on State Highway 6, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The fatal collision occurred around 7:30 p.m. south of Farm-to-Market Road 704 in Jones County.
Investigators said Alkire was riding a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja northbound on State Highway 6 when the crash happened.
According to a preliminary DPS investigation, Alkire was traveling at a high rate of speed while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
After merging back into the northbound lane, investigators said he failed to control the motorcycle’s speed and crashed into the rear of a 2022 Ford F-350 towing a 2025 Big Tex dump semi-trailer.
Authorities said the truck was being driven by Jeremy Harris, 42, of Stamford, Texas. Harris was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision and was not injured.
Justice of the Peace Cheryl Guemsey pronounced Alkire dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that Alkire was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators noted that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry when the deadly crash occurred.
The posted speed limit in the area was 75 mph.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the fatal motorcycle collision.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.