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Dallas, TX (February 25, 2026) – One person died, and another was critically hurt early Wednesday morning after a vehicle struck a highway safety barrier on S R.L. Thornton Freeway. The single-vehicle crash occurred around 3 a.m. on the exit ramp from southbound South R.L. Thornton Freeway to West Illinois Avenue.
Emergency units responded to the scene shortly after the wreck was reported. Officials said the car hit a safety barrier and then spun out on the ramp. Two people were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene. The second occupant was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved and are still working to determine what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
What Causes Vehicles to Strike Highway Barriers on Exit Ramps?
Exit ramps often require drivers to reduce speed quickly while navigating curves. If a vehicle is traveling too fast or the driver loses control, it can drift off course and hit a safety barrier.
Early morning hours may bring lower visibility and fatigue, which can affect reaction time. Curved ramps also change the direction of force on a vehicle, increasing the chance of spinning after impact.
Safety barriers are designed to absorb some of the crash force and prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. Even so, striking a fixed object at highway speeds can result in severe or fatal injuries.
