A deadly afternoon crash on a rural stretch of State Highway 123 near Panna Maria left one driver dead, two people injured and traffic backed up for hours on Tuesday, as troopers shut down the roadway to piece together what happened.
The wreck unfolded just south of the Highway 81 intersection, drawing emergency crews and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers who kept the highway closed well into the evening while they investigated and cleared the scene.
What Troopers Say Happened
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a gray 2021 Ram 1500 was heading north on SH 123 when it began to hydroplane, crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a black 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling south. The driver of the Ram died at the scene. A passenger in the pickup and the Tahoe driver were taken to medical centers in the San Antonio area for treatment, DPS told South Texas News.
Road Conditions and Safety Work
Troopers said hydroplaning was the initial factor under investigation, a stark reminder that a thin layer of water on the road can quickly erase a driver’s control at highway speeds. The Federal Highway Administration notes that most weather-related crashes occur during rainfall and that wet pavement is a leading risk factor for serious collisions. Planned resurfacing and safety upgrades along segments of SH 123 in Karnes County are listed in TxDOT documents.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash remains under investigation and that “no additional information was available pending notification of next of kin.” In a statement to South Texas News, DPS said troopers were called to the scene at about 3:16 p.m., and that highway traffic was not fully cleared until around 9:33 p.m.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-camera footage is asked to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or local law enforcement as the investigation continues. We will update this report when authorities release more information.
