Flint, TX (July 10, 2026) – Four people lost their lives and a two-year-old child was critically hurt following a head-on roadway collision on Friday morning on Highway 155 south of FM 344 near County Road 1263 in Smith County.
The fatal crash happened at about 8 a.m. when a Toyota Highlander traveling south crossed into the northbound lanes for reasons that have not yet been determined. The SUV struck a northbound Cadillac SUV carrying three adults and a toddler.
The driver of the Toyota and the three adults in the Cadillac were pronounced dead at the scene. The child was taken to an East Texas hospital with traumatic injuries before being airlifted to a Dallas hospital, where the child remained in critical condition.
Traffic in both directions along Highway 155 was temporarily halted while emergency units worked at the site before the roadway was reopened.
The identities of those who died have not yet been released, and the cause of the accident has not been determined.
The circumstances surrounding the collision are still being examined. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones mourning this devastating loss, and we hope the young child makes a full recovery.
Why Proper Seat Belt and Child Restraint Use Matters in Serious Highway Collisions
Seat belts and child restraint systems are designed to reduce the risk of severe injury during sudden stops and high-speed roadway collisions. Adult passengers should always wear a properly fastened seat belt, while young children should ride in an age- and size-appropriate car seat installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
During a head-on roadway collision, occupants who are not restrained can be thrown against the interior of the vehicle or ejected, greatly increasing the chance of life-threatening injuries. Child safety seats help distribute crash forces more effectively and provide protection that a standard seat belt cannot offer to young children.
Investigators often review roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and other physical evidence to determine how a serious highway collision unfolded. Those findings can help explain the sequence of events and provide a clearer picture of what occurred.
