Bridge City, TX (July 18, 2026) – A 67-year-old Bridge City man died after a pickup truck left the roadway and struck his parked minivan before pushing it into a home at the intersection of SH 87 and SH 62. The fatal crash was reported at about 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a 2020 Ford pickup truck was traveling south on SH 87 when it continued through the intersection, entered a private driveway, and hit a parked 2019 Dodge Caravan. The force of the collision pushed the minivan into the residence.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, identified as Gabino Carranza, was taken to the hospital, where he later died. His 61-year-old wife, who was inside the home at the time, received non-life-threatening injuries. The Ford driver, identified as Michael Heimbach, 69, of Orange, was not hurt.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, and additional information may be released as the review moves forward.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gabino Carranza while wishing his wife a full recovery.
Why Driveway and Residential Property Crashes Can Be So Dangerous
Vehicles that leave the roadway and enter private property can create serious hazards for people inside parked vehicles and nearby homes. Even at moderate speeds, the force of a moving vehicle can push another vehicle into a building, increasing the risk of severe injuries and structural damage.
After this type of collision, investigators usually review roadway evidence, vehicle positions, mechanical factors, and driver actions to determine how the vehicle departed from the roadway. Damage patterns on the vehicles and the home may also help establish the sequence of what occurred. These reviews provide a clearer picture of the circumstances while helping identify factors that contributed to the collision.
