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CHICO, Wise County, Texas, Nov. 6, 2026 — Five people were hurt, three of them critically, in a head-on crash on Friday evening, November 6, on FM-1810 near Chico.
The two-vehicle wreck was reported at about 6:35 p.m. near Private Road 1453, at the entrance to PK Stone just east of Chico, Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger said. The Chico Fire Department, Wise County EMS and law enforcement were sent to the scene.
Crews arriving found both vehicles with major damage, and at least one occupant had to be extricated. Air Evac LifeTeam and CareFlite helicopters were called in along with several ground ambulances to handle the number of patients.
An elderly woman was flown by Air Evac LifeTeam 68 to Harris Downtown Hospital in Fort Worth with critical injuries, Preuninger said. An elderly man was flown by CareFlite to Medical City Denton, also with critical injuries. A child was taken by ground ambulance to Medical City Decatur with serious injuries, and two adult women were transported to the same hospital, also with serious injuries. Two other ambulances on scene were not needed for transport.
The Wise County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded along with Wise County ESD 4, which covers Chico and Sand Flat fire departments. The cause of the crash had not been released as of Friday evening, and the investigation remains open.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Chico, TX
This crash happened on FM-1810 in Chico, TX. We cover crashes across Wise County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Wise County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are common in head-on crashes?
Head-on collisions frequently cause chest, head, and leg injuries, since the force of impact is concentrated on the front of both vehicles. Internal injuries and fractures are common, and extrication is sometimes needed when vehicles are badly damaged.
What causes head-on collisions?
They can result from a driver drifting across a center line, passing unsafely, falling asleep, or losing control on a curve. Investigators determine the specific cause case by case.
Why are head-on crashes so severe?
Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions combine their speed at the moment of impact, so the total force is much higher than in a rear-end or side-impact crash.
How can drivers avoid a head-on collision?
Staying alert, avoiding distractions, slowing down on rural roads with no center barrier, and never passing on a blind curve or hill can reduce the chance of crossing into oncoming traffic.
