Pecos County, TX (January 24, 2026) – A rollover crash in Pecos County on Thursday afternoon left one woman dead and three others injured, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. near mile marker 400 on FM 1776. Authorities said a 2016 Honda CR-V was traveling south when the driver became distracted inside the vehicle, veered off the road into a west borrow ditch, struck a large rock, and rolled multiple times.
One passenger, 76-year-old Abilia Payan Ortiz of Sector Poniente, Chihuahua, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Blanca Abigail Payan Ortiz, 74, and passengers Edelmira Payan, 83, and Sandra Iron Ochoa Payan, 61, were transported to nearby hospitals. Two of the survivors reportedly sustained minor injuries, while one suffered serious injuries. All occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. No further updates have been provided.
Key Details
- Location: Pecos County, TX
- Where: FM 1776 near mile marker 400
- Type: One Killed, Three Injured in Rollover Crash
- Reported: January 23, at 1:40 p.m.
- Injuries: One fatality, three injuries (two minor, one serious)
- Responding Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety
What We Know So Far
- A 2016 Honda CR-V veered off FM 1776 and rolled after hitting a rock.
- One passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Three others were transported with injuries—two minor, one serious.
- DPS confirmed all occupants wore seatbelts and weather conditions were clear.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The full extent of injuries to the hospitalized occupants
- If charges will be considered or filed
- The exact nature of the driver’s in-vehicle distraction
- Additional details regarding the emergency response timeline
Local Context
FM 1776 in Pecos County stretches through largely rural terrain, where visibility is typically high but roadway shoulders and borrow ditches can present hazards during off-road incidents. Crashes in this area often involve extended emergency response times due to the distance from major medical facilities. When rollovers occur on roads like FM 1776, responders work to stabilize occupants, manage scene safety, and investigate contributing factors. In Thursday’s case, DPS noted that clear weather prevailed, and seatbelt use likely played a role in reducing further injury among the survivors. More information may follow as reports are finalized.
What to Do Next
- Monitor the condition of those hospitalized and follow up with medical professionals as needed.
- Request the official crash report from DPS for insurance or legal purposes.
- Keep records of all medical care, expenses, and communications related to the incident.
- Speak with a qualified support professional if emotional or mental health support is needed after the crash.
FAQ
Q: What does it mean when a crash is classified as a rollover?
A: A rollover occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof during a crash, often after hitting an obstacle or losing traction.
Q: How does seatbelt use affect injury outcomes in a rollover crash?
A: Wearing seatbelts greatly reduces the risk of ejection and serious injury, helping to keep occupants secured during vehicle overturns.
Q: Can distractions inside the vehicle lead to serious crashes?
A: Yes. In-vehicle distractions, such as reaching for objects or interacting with passengers, can cause drivers to lose focus and control, increasing crash risk.
