Martin County, TX (February 21, 2026) – A 23-year-old man and a 7-year-old boy lost their lives Thursday night after a crash along SH 349 in Martin County.
According to reports, the collision happened on February 19. Authorities say Mariano Molinar was driving north in the inside lane of SH 349 when he attempted a U-turn. At the same time, a southbound vehicle was traveling in the outside lane, driven by 50-year-old Carlos Tijerina.
Molinar’s vehicle collided with the oncoming car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 7-year-old boy riding as a passenger in Tijerina’s vehicle was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other passengers in Tijerina’s car were taken to Midland Memorial Hospital. One suffered minor injuries, while the other sustained serious injuries. Officials reported that Molinar was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
How Head-On and U-Turn Crashes Happen on Texas Highways
Highway crashes often occur when vehicles cross lanes or attempt turns across active traffic. On rural highways like SH 349, traffic typically moves at high speeds, leaving little time for drivers to react when another vehicle suddenly changes direction.
U-turns on divided or multi-lane highways can be especially dangerous if visibility is limited or if drivers misjudge the speed of approaching traffic. Even a brief miscalculation can result in a severe head-on collision. These types of crashes frequently lead to serious or fatal injuries because of the combined force of both vehicles.
Seatbelt use also affects the outcome of high-speed collisions. Safety restraints are designed to reduce the risk of death and serious harm by keeping occupants secured inside the vehicle during impact. In Texas, drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seatbelts, and consistent use has been shown to lower fatal injury rates in major roadway crashes.
