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SPLENDORA, Montgomery County, Texas, Oct. 5, 2026 — Two men were critically injured late Saturday night, October 3, when a side by side rolled over at a popular off road riding area in Splendora, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at the Mud Park, off Hayden Road, deputies said. The off road vehicle reportedly rolled and threw both riders, men in their 40s, from the machine. Responding crews had to walk in roughly 400 yards from the end of Hayden Road to reach the scene, since the area is not directly accessible by road vehicle.
One of the men was taken to Kingwood Hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition, authorities said. The condition of the second man has not been released. Splendora police and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office responded, and MCSO is handling the investigation.
The rollover was reportedly the second injury crash at the park that day. Earlier Saturday, a child was hurt when an ATV rolled over and was also taken to Kingwood Hospital, where the child was reported in stable condition. It remains unclear whether the two crashes are connected in any way.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
ATVs and the Off Road Injury Picture
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATVs were involved in 92 percent of off-highway-vehicle injuries over the five-year period summarized in its safety data in 2022. That figure puts side by sides and other multi-rider off road vehicles well behind traditional four-wheel ATVs in overall injury counts, even though both machines are often ridden in the same parks and trail systems.
The gap partly reflects how many more ATVs are in use nationwide compared with side by sides, which are a newer and smaller category of vehicle. But it also means that when a side by side rollover does happen, it tends to draw outsized attention precisely because it is less common than a standard ATV crash, not because the vehicle itself is inherently safer.
Off road parks like the one in Splendora see a steady mix of both vehicle types, often operating on the same unpaved, uneven terrain that contributes to rollovers. Investigators looking into any rollover typically examine terrain, vehicle speed, and whether riders were using available restraints or roll protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do right after an ATV or side by side crash?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving an injured rider unless there is an immediate danger, and wait for trained crews, since off road locations can take time to reach. Note the exact location, including any trail markers or landmarks, to help responders find the scene faster.
What injuries are common in side by side rollovers?
Riders can suffer head and neck injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries, particularly if they are thrown from the vehicle during a rollover. Wearing a helmet and using seat belts or harnesses where equipped can reduce the severity of these injuries.
Do weather and terrain play a role in these crashes?
Yes. Loose dirt, mud, uneven ground, and low visibility at night all raise the chances of a rollover, especially at parks built around unpaved trails and pits.
What to Do After a Side By Side Rollover in Splendora, TX
If you're involved in or witness an off road vehicle rollover, you should get injured riders medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first, since internal injuries are not always obvious immediately. It's worth seeking a full medical evaluation in the days that follow, particularly after any ejection or impact.
Riders and park visitors should also file a report with the responding law enforcement agency and keep a record of who was present and what equipment was involved. For families with children riding ATVs, it helps to confirm the vehicle is properly sized for the rider and that safety gear, including helmets, is worn every time, regardless of how familiar the trail may seem.
