Dallas, TX (May 19, 2026) – Two people lost their lives early Tuesday morning after a wrong-way collision shut down portions of US-75 near Royal Lane in North Dallas.
According to reports, emergency units responded to the southbound lanes of Central Expy just north of Royal Ln around 1:30 a.m. after multiple drivers reported a vehicle traveling the wrong direction in the southbound lanes.
Officials said a sedan traveling the wrong way collided head-on with an SUV. Firefighters worked to remove at least one person trapped inside the damaged vehicles following the impact.
The driver of the sedan was pronounced dead at the scene. Two people riding in the SUV were taken to a hospital, where the passenger later died. The SUV driver remains in critical condition.
The crash caused major traffic delays on Tuesday morning, as portions of the highway remained closed during the investigation and cleanup. The identities of those involved have not yet been released.
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.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes on Highways Are Often Severe
Wrong-way crashes on highways frequently lead to serious injuries or fatalities because vehicles are often traveling at high speeds in opposite directions. Head-on impacts can produce extreme force, especially during overnight hours when visibility may be reduced.
Investigators reviewing these crashes often examine roadway entry points, traffic signs, lighting conditions, and witness reports. In some cases, surveillance footage or vehicle data systems may help determine how a driver entered the roadway in the wrong direction.
Highway crashes that occur late at night or early in the morning can also involve reduced driver awareness and shorter reaction times as drivers attempt to avoid a collision. Emergency crews may need extended periods to clear debris, investigate the scene, and safely reopen lanes after major multi-vehicle impacts.