Burleson County, TX (July 21, 2026) – Two people lost their lives, and five others were hurt in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon at the intersection of State Highway 36 and FM 60 in Burleson County.
The fatal collision occurred at about 2:15 p.m. According to preliminary findings, a 2014 Kia Optima traveling on FM 60 was attempting to turn left onto SH 36 when it failed to yield the right of way and was struck by a northbound 2020 Ford F-250.
The driver of the Kia, 43-year-old Clarissa Nunez of Corpus Christi, and passenger 68-year-old Diamantina Martinez, also of Corpus Christi, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers in the Kia, an 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy, were taken to McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple with suspected serious injuries.
The driver of the Ford and two passengers were taken to St. Joseph Health in Bryan with minor injuries. No additional information about those involved has been released.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Clarissa Nunez and Diamantina Martinez, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Intersections on Rural Highways Can Be Especially Dangerous
Intersections where rural highways meet farm-to-market roads often present unique driving challenges. Vehicles traveling on major highways typically move at higher speeds, leaving drivers entering or crossing the roadway little time to judge approaching traffic accurately.
Many serious intersection crashes involve failures to yield the right of way during left turns or while crossing traffic. Investigators commonly review skid marks, vehicle damage, witness accounts, roadway signs, and visibility conditions to determine how the collision unfolded. Traffic volume, speed limits, and the timing of each driver’s actions may also help explain the sequence of events. These findings are used to develop a comprehensive picture of events leading up to the fatal roadway collision.
