Accountability.
A newly released Texas crash report says the driver of a Texas Department of Criminal Justice transport bus fell asleep before the vehicle struck a guardrail and rolled over near Groesbeck on July 1, 2026.
The bus was carrying 26 incarcerated people from county jails to the Gurney Unit in Palestine, along with three TDCJ employees. Initial reports said several incarcerated passengers and one staff member were taken to hospitals. Authorities said all occupants were accounted for and there was no threat to the public.
Buddy Rhoudes, 33, was among those on the bus. His mother, Beverly Thurston, told Central Texas news outlets that her son reported back and leg pain, a shoulder cut and contusions following the crash. She said she wanted the state to explain what happened and ensure that everyone injured received appropriate medical care.
According to reporting based on the TxDOT crash report, the driver fell asleep, causing the bus to leave the roadway, hit a guardrail and overturn. The report listed no alcohol or drug specimen, raising additional questions from the family about post-crash testing and oversight.
The crash occurred on State Highway 164 near FM 3371 in Limestone County. Local police closed both sides of the highway while emergency crews responded.
The incident raises concerns about driver scheduling, fatigue controls, medical follow-up and transparency when the state transports incarcerated people between county jails and TDCJ facilities.