Available 
FORT WORTH, Tarrant County, Texas, Oct. 14, 2026 — One person was in critical condition Tuesday, October 13, after a crash on the ramp connecting southbound Interstate 35W to northbound Highway 287 in Fort Worth, according to the agency working the scene.
Fort Worth crews responded to what was described as a major accident on the connector ramp. One person was reported in critical condition.
The crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Ramp and Interchange Crashes Cause So Much Damage
Crashes on highway ramps often involve vehicles moving at different speeds trying to merge into a single lane. A car slowing to take a curved ramp can be struck from behind by a vehicle still moving at highway speed, and that gap in speed, not just the impact itself, determines how much energy gets transferred in a collision.
Vehicle weight matters too. When a heavier vehicle like a pickup or SUV strikes a smaller passenger car, the lighter vehicle absorbs more of the force. Modern cars are built with crumple zones at the front and rear designed to collapse and absorb energy, protecting the cabin where people sit. But ramps often force impacts at odd angles, into door panels or rear quarters that have less built-in protection than the front or rear ends.
Interchanges concentrate risk because they combine merging, weaving, and speed changes in a short stretch of road. Drivers are often watching for exit signs or adjusting lanes at the same moment others are accelerating onto the highway, which narrows the time anyone has to react.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Photograph the area if it's safe to do so.
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Rain, fog, and low light reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, especially on ramps and curves where drivers already have less time to react to merging traffic.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at intersections, ramps, and other merge points, where vehicles traveling at different speeds or directions cross paths in a short space.
How can drivers lower their chances of a crash on ramps or merges?
Slowing early, checking mirrors and blind spots before merging, and leaving extra following distance near interchanges all give drivers more time to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Worth, TX
If you're involved in a crash on a highway ramp or interchange in Fort Worth, try to move to a safe spot away from moving traffic if your vehicle is drivable. Call 911 right away, even if injuries aren't obvious at first. Some injuries, especially to the neck or back, can take hours to show symptoms.
Stay at the scene until officers arrive and get a copy of the police report once it's available. Seek a medical evaluation promptly, even for minor aches, and keep records of any treatment. If you witnessed the crash or were involved, write down what you remember while it's fresh, including the time, location, and weather conditions at the time.
