Midland, TX (June 24, 2026) – Two people lost their lives, and another person suffered serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Midland County on Monday, June 22.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the collision occurred when a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado traveling westbound on County Road 140 entered the intersection with FM 715 and failed to yield the right of way.
Investigators said the Chevrolet Colorado, driven by 66-year-old Jose Ruiz Portillo of Meoqui, Chihuahua, entered the intersection and collided with a northbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado operated by 46-year-old Christopher Leigh Grado of Midland.
Portillo and his passenger, 60-year-old Angelica Beltran Mauricio, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Grado suffered serious injuries in the collision and was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Authorities reported that weather conditions were clear at the time of the crash and that all three occupants involved were wearing seat belts.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wish the injured driver a full recovery.
Why Failure-to-Yield Crashes at Rural Intersections May Be Deadly?
Intersection collisions occur when drivers misjudge traffic conditions or fail to yield the right of way. On rural roadways, where vehicles may be traveling at highway speeds, these crashes can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact.
Investigators typically examine roadway evidence, vehicle positions, traffic controls, and witness statements to determine how a crash occurred. These findings help authorities reconstruct the sequence of events and identify contributing factors.
Drivers are encouraged to approach intersections with caution, obey traffic control devices, and ensure it is safe to proceed before entering a roadway, particularly at rural crossings where visibility and speed can increase collision risks.
