McAllen, TX — January 18, 2026, two people were killed and another one was injured at about 2:20 a.m. in the 5200 block of North Bicentennial Boulevard.

Authorities said a Dodge Durango and a Chevrolet Trax were involved in a crash that left one of the vehicles on fire.

Both drivers — a 42-year-old man in the Dodge and a 32-year-old woman in the Chevrolet — died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities.

An 18-year-old woman who was riding in the Chevrolet was flown to a San Antonio hospital with critical injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Hidalgo County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a serious crash happens, it's not enough to just clear the scene and move on. The real work starts with asking the right questions; questions that make sure all the facts are on the table. Without that, important details can get missed, and the full picture never comes into focus.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? With two vehicles involved, both drivers deceased and a passenger critically injured, the investigation should go far beyond a basic report. The scene likely needed to be mapped in detail: measuring distances, examining debris patterns and reconstructing vehicle movements to understand how the collision occurred. Did the team look into what each driver was doing before the crash? Was there a clear picture of their paths? These steps require time, equipment and training. Not all agencies have equal resources, and that can make a difference in the outcome.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Any time a vehicle catches fire during or after a crash, mechanical issues should be considered. A malfunction in the fuel system, electrical components or braking systems could have contributed either to the collision itself or the severity of the aftermath. It's worth asking if both vehicles were inspected for hidden failures. Without that, conclusions might be based only on what was immediately visible.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles often hold digital records that can help explain what happened: data showing how fast someone was going, whether they hit the brakes or if steering input was made. Phones paired to the vehicles or GPS logs can show routes and activity. If nearby traffic or security cameras caught any part of the crash, that’s also important evidence. These tools are there to provide answers, but they don’t help unless someone takes the time to review them.

Following up on a serious incident means making sure every angle is covered. Skipping steps or relying only on initial impressions leaves too much to chance, and not enough to fact.

Key Takeaways:

• Serious collisions require thorough scene reconstruction, not just a written report.
• Mechanical failures may not be obvious but can play a key role in both crash and fire.
• Vehicle and phone data can clarify driver actions in the moments before impact.