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DEL VALLE, Travis County, Texas, Oct. 26, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized on Sunday morning, October 25, after a vehicle caught fire in a two-vehicle crash on SH 71 in Del Valle, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
The Travis County Sheriff's Office said it first received word of the crash around 5:23 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of SH 71 at Caldwell Lane. One of the vehicles involved caught fire.
ATCEMS crews responded and took two adults to the hospital. One patient suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other sustained serious injuries. Their conditions have not been updated since.
The crash would take hours to clear, and warned drivers to expect delays in the area. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Del Valle, TX
This crash happened at SH-71 and Caldwell Lane in Del Valle, TX. We cover crashes across Travis County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Travis County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Two-vehicle collisions are often tied to factors such as speed, following too closely, impaired or distracted driving, or reduced visibility, though the specific cause here has not been released.
Why does speed make a crash more dangerous?
Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the chances of serious injury or a vehicle catching fire after a collision.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Even a few seconds of taking eyes off the road can prevent a driver from braking or steering in time to avoid a crash, especially in the early morning hours when visibility is lower.
Do road or weather conditions play a role in crashes like this?
Darkness, wet pavement, or debris can all reduce traction and reaction time, and investigators typically review conditions at the time of a crash as part of determining what happened.
What to Do After a Car Fire Crash in Del Valle, Texas
If you're involved in a crash where a vehicle catches fire, get a safe distance away before doing anything else; fuel and battery fires can spread fast. Call 911 immediately if you haven't already, and let dispatchers know there's a fire so fire crews can respond alongside EMS. Don't attempt to retrieve belongings from a burning vehicle.
Once you're safe, seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Smoke inhalation, adrenaline, and shock can mask injuries that show up hours later. Keep a record of what first responders tell you, including any case or incident number, and follow up with the sheriff's office or EMS for updates as they become available.
