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DENTON, Denton County, Texas, Nov. 2, 2026 — A chain-reaction crash sent 10 people to the hospital on Saturday night, October 31, outside a haunted house attraction in Denton. The pileup happened on University Drive, also known as Highway 380, according to Denton police.
A vehicle rear-ended another car in a line of traffic outside the Parker House Haunted Attraction, setting off a chain-reaction crash involving at least three vehicles. One of the cars was reportedly pushed into oncoming lanes and struck a semi-truck. All 10 people hurt were taken to area hospitals; the extent of their injuries has not been released.
Crews shut down parts of Highway 380 for several hours while they cleared the scene and worked the crash. The road reopened around 11 p.m. Saturday. Denton police said the investigation into what led to the crash is ongoing. No further details on the vehicles or the people involved have been released.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Local Crash Information for Denton, TX
The crash was reported on Highway 380 in Denton. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Denton County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes multi-vehicle pileups like this one?
Chain-reaction crashes usually start with one vehicle rear-ending another, usually because of following too closely, sudden braking, or stopped traffic that drivers do not notice in time. Heavy pedestrian activity or roadside attractions can add to the risk by slowing or stopping traffic unexpectedly.
Why are rear-end collisions so common in stop-and-go traffic?
Distracted driving plays a big role: a driver who looks away for even a couple of seconds may not see brake lights in time to stop. Tailgating and stopped or slow-moving traffic also commonly lead to rear-end crashes.
Does speed make a difference when a crash like this happens?
Yes. Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the force of impact, which can push a struck vehicle into another lane or into oncoming traffic, as reportedly happened in this crash.
What should drivers do if they come upon a crash scene like this?
Slow down, keep a safe distance from the wreck, and follow instructions from police or emergency crews directing traffic. Do not stop to look or take photos, since that can contribute to further collisions.
