FATAL COLLISION ON I-35: PICKUP STRUCK BY SEMI-TRUCK IN HILLSBORO

“Investigation Continues: Vehicle Fire Follows High-Speed Impact in Main Travel Lane”

HILLSBORO, TX — A driver was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision on Interstate 35 near mile marker 365 in Hillsboro. According to the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety, a Dodge pickup truck had come to a complete stop in one of the highway’s main travel lanes before being struck from behind by a tractor-trailer.

The Incident: Sunday, April 12, 2026

First responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:36 PM following reports of a major accident and a vehicle fire.

• The Lead-up: Witnesses reported seeing a Dodge pickup traveling at a significantly reduced speed—approximately 40 mph—and moving erratically across multiple lanes before coming to a full stop in a travel lane.

• The Crash: A semi-truck traveling in the same direction was unable to avoid the stationary pickup. The resulting impact caused the Dodge pickup to roll over and immediately catch fire.

• The Outcome: The driver of the pickup was trapped inside the burning vehicle and was pronounced deceased by emergency personnel. The driver of the semi-truck was reported to be uninjured.

Factors Under Investigation

The Hillsboro DPS Criminal Investigations Division is working to determine the circumstances that led the driver to stop in the roadway.

• Lighting Issues: Preliminary evidence suggests the Dodge pickup may have had dim or non-functional headlights, making it difficult for other motorists to identify the hazard in the darkness.

• Mechanical or Medical Event: Investigators are looking into whether a mechanical failure or a medical emergency contributed to the pickup’s erratic movements and subsequent stop.

• Visibility: The accident occurred in a stretch of I-35 where ambient lighting is limited, leaving the semi-truck driver with only seconds to react once the stationary vehicle became visible.

Status of the Investigation

The identity of the deceased driver has not yet been released, pending positive identification and notification of next of kin by the Hill County Medical Examiner’s Office.

• Road Closure: Northbound lanes of I-35 were closed for several hours early Monday morning as crews worked to clear debris and reconstruct the accident.

• Toxicology: As is standard in fatal collisions, toxicology reports for both drivers are pending.

• Witness Appeal: Sgt. Quintana with the Hillsboro DPS is asking anyone who may have seen the Dodge pickup prior to the crash or who has dashcam footage to come forward.

Safety Reminders for Highway Hazards

Following this tragedy, authorities have issued reminders for drivers who experience vehicle trouble on the interstate:

1. Move to the Shoulder: If a vehicle begins to fail, every effort should be made to reach the emergency shoulder and exit the main travel lanes.

2. Hazard Lights: Activate emergency flashers immediately to alert other drivers, especially in low-light conditions.

3. Exit the Vehicle: If a vehicle is disabled in a travel lane, occupants should exit the vehicle only if it is safe to reach the far side of the highway or a barrier, away from moving traffic.

Current Status: Active Investigation. No charges have been filed against the driver of the semi-truck at this time.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety at (254) 582-8406.