Texarkana, TX (July 18, 2026) – Two people lost their lives, and three others were hurt after an SUV went underneath an 18-wheeler on Hwy 71 north of Texarkana on Friday. The fatal collision was reported by the Texas State Police, though the exact time and date were not immediately released.
According to the preliminary information, the SUV became lodged beneath the tractor-trailer during the collision. Two occupants were pronounced dead, while three others were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The identities of those involved have not been released. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the wreck, and additional information may be made public as the review progresses.
Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Why Underride Collisions With Tractor-Trailers Are Sometimes Severe
Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer of a large truck. Because the trailer sits much higher than the front of most passenger vehicles, these crashes can cause catastrophic damage, particularly to the vehicle’s upper body.
The severity of an underride collision depends on several factors, including travel speed, braking distance, roadway conditions, and the angle at which the vehicles come together. Modern trailers are equipped with rear underride guards designed to reduce the risk in certain types of crashes, although these devices cannot prevent every underride. Information such as vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and witness accounts may later help explain how this type of collision occurred.
