Dayton, TX (April 2, 2026) – Three people, including a teenager, lost their lives in a crash on Wednesday night on Hwy 99 near Dayton in Liberty County.
The accident occurred just after 9 p.m. between FM 1960 and US 90, where the roadway narrows to two lanes. Authorities reported that a 44-year-old man driving a Ford F-150 southbound crossed the center line for unknown reasons and sideswiped a northbound Ford F-250.
The driver of the F-250 attempted to avoid the collision and suffered minor damage along with a flat tire. Moments later, a Lincoln SUV traveling northbound behind the F-250 was struck on its front-left side by the F-150.
The Lincoln was driven by a 17-year-old boy from Cleveland, with a 39-year-old woman as a passenger. Both occupants of the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the F-150 also died from injuries sustained in the crash, while the F-250 driver was not seriously hurt.
Crews worked for over an hour to free those trapped inside the vehicles. The roadway reopened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2, after the scene was cleared.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
How Center Line Crossovers Lead to Severe Head-On Crashes
When a vehicle crosses the center line, it can enter directly into oncoming traffic. This type of movement often leads to head-on or side-impact collisions, which are among the most dangerous types of crashes.
Two-lane highways are especially vulnerable because there is little space to recover once a vehicle drifts out of its lane. Drivers traveling in the opposite direction may only have seconds to react, and even quick evasive actions may not prevent a crash.
Factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, or sudden medical issues can contribute to these incidents. Maintaining focus and staying within lane markings is key to reducing the risk of crossover accidents.
