Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville, was involved in a serious car accident Thursday, House Administration Committee Chairman Charlie Geren announced to House members.

Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville

“It totaled his car,” said Geren, R-Fort Worth.

Oliveira was transported to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, he said.

“We think he’s OK. But as we learn more, we’ll let all members know,” Geren said.

The announcement dampened an acrimonious debate over whether to reopen a Public Utility Commission sunset bill to consider a telephone matter.

Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, asked members to stand, in a moment of silence.

Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, the sunset bill’s author, said, “My prayers are going to be with Rene, who I love dearly.”

Oliveira, first elected in 1981, is the House’s fifth longest-serving member.