Medina County, TX (February 19, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash along US Hwy 90 in Medina County left one man dead and another person hospitalized, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Troopers said the collision occurred near mile marker 520, west of D’Hanis and FM 1796. The incident remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18 at 11 a.m.
- Location: US Hwy 90 near mile marker 520, west of D’Hanis and FM 1796
- Vehicles involved: Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tundra with attached trailer
- Fatality: Roberto Mares Jr., 55, of D’Hanis
- Injured: 54-year-old female passenger transported to a San Antonio hospital
- Investigating agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
What We Know So Far
- According to a preliminary DPS report, the driver of a Chevrolet Colorado attempted to change lanes.
- The Chevrolet collided with a trailer being towed by a Toyota Tundra.
- Investigators said the impact caused the Toyota driver to lose control, leading the vehicle to roll over.
- Roberto Mares Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The female passenger in the Toyota was taken to a hospital in San Antonio.
- The driver of the Chevrolet Colorado was not injured.
- DPS confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether any citations or charges will be filed
- If weather or roadway conditions played a role
- Whether speed was a contributing factor
- The current medical status of the hospitalized passenger
Local Context
U.S. Highway 90 near mile marker 520 runs through a rural stretch of Medina County west of D’Hanis and FM 1796, where traffic often includes a mix of passenger vehicles and trucks towing trailers. In areas like this, lane changes can require careful timing, especially when larger vehicles are involved. When serious crashes occur along this corridor, Texas DPS troopers typically work to secure the immediate scene, assess injuries, and document vehicle positions before reopening the roadway. Additional details are often released only after investigators complete their preliminary findings and confirm the sequence of events.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before the police arrive can create complications later.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: In the early stages of an investigation, officials focus on securing the scene, assisting those injured, and collecting initial evidence. Information is often released only after key facts are verified.
Q: Why are highway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Highways typically involve higher speeds and vehicles merging or changing lanes. When a collision occurs, the force of impact can be significant, increasing the risk of serious injuries or rollovers.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers assess injuries, secure the area, gather statements, document vehicle positions, and begin determining how the crash occurred. Their findings are compiled into an official report.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
