Temple, TX (January 8, 2026) – Two fatal crashes on Interstate 35 brought traffic to a standstill in Temple early this morning, prompting extended road closures and a multi-agency response. Both incidents occurred in the northbound lanes near Midway Dr and Exit 297, just hours apart.
The first collision was reported around 3:36 a.m. when officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a concrete barrier. The car came to a stop in the middle of I-35, where it was then hit by a second northbound vehicle. One individual was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey, while another person sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Just over an hour later, at approximately 4:52 a.m., emergency personnel were called back to the same stretch of I-35 for a second, unrelated crash. This collision involved two semis, with one reportedly rear-ending the other amid traffic that had already backed up due to the earlier wreck. One person was declared deceased at the scene, again by Justice Wilkey. No additional injuries were reported from this incident.
Authorities believe that the second crash may have been caused by standstill traffic from the earlier fatal collision. Both scenes are under active investigation by Temple PD, and the highway is expected to remain closed for several hours as crews work to clear debris and complete their assessments.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by both of these tragic crashes. We extend our sincere condolences to those mourning the lives lost.
