Belton, TX (May 14, 2026) – A trash truck and a passenger car collided on Wednesday, May 13, on Farm to Market 439 between Wildwood Dr and Spring Canyon Rd, west of Belton, at around 12:30 p.m.
After the initial collision, the trash truck continued into the Lake Food Mart, crashing through the building’s exterior. People inside the store at the time suffered only minor injuries and did not need to be taken to a hospital. Technical rescue units responded due to the structural damage caused to the building.
One driver was taken by ground ambulance to a hospital in Temple, while the other driver was pronounced dead at the scene. No identities have been released. FM 439 was closed in both directions following the crash while the scene was cleared and the investigation got underway. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the driver who lost their life.
What Happens When a Commercial Truck Crashes Into a Building in Texas?
When a large commercial vehicle strikes a building after a collision, the response typically involves more than just traffic and medical units. Structural damage to a building can create safety hazards for anyone still inside, including the risk of wall or roof collapse in more severe cases. In Texas, technical rescue teams are trained to assess these situations and make sure the structure is safe before anyone enters or exits.
Crashes involving commercial trucks on rural farm-to-market roads in Texas are not uncommon, partly because these roads carry a mix of heavy service vehicles and regular passenger cars. FM roads often lack the width and shoulder space of larger highways, which can make certain types of collisions harder to avoid. When a large truck loses control after an impact, its size and weight can carry it well beyond the initial point of contact.
