Two people were killed Friday afternoon in a four-vehicle crash on State Highway 361, adding to growing safety concerns along the busy roadway near Padre Island.
Corpus Christi police said the collision happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. in the 8100 block of Highway 361, near Corpus Christi Fire Station 16 and north of Beach Access Road 3. Two additional people were transported to a local hospital following the crash.
The deadly collision marks the second fatal crash along the same stretch of Highway 361 in just four days, prompting residents and visitors to raise fresh questions about traffic safety.
Four Vehicles Involved in Highway 361 Crash
According to police, the Friday afternoon crash began when the Driver believed to be at fault rear-ended a vehicle traveling ahead. The initial impact triggered a chain reaction involving four vehicles.
Police said the two people who died were inside a vehicle that was rear-ended and were not considered at fault in the collision.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, while two other people involved in the crash were taken to a local hospital. Authorities did not immediately release information about their conditions.
Investigators continued working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Additional details about the people involved were not immediately available.
Highway Closure Creates Major Traffic Backup
Following the collision, authorities closed Highway 361 in both directions for approximately three hours. Investigators examined the scene while emergency crews worked to clear the roadway.
The highway reopened Friday evening, but the closure created significant congestion. Some motorists reported spending hours stuck in traffic as vehicles backed up along the highway.
Among those affected was a family visiting from San Marcos. Jacklyn Juarez said her brother had already warned the family to use caution on Highway 361 following another fatal collision earlier in the week.
Juarez said the family does not visit the area frequently but has noticed vehicles traveling at high speeds along the roadway. Despite the long delay, she said their primary concern was the safety of those involved in the crash.
Another San Marcos visitor, Amanda McClellan, expressed concern about two serious crashes occurring within such a short period. She said the incidents highlight the need for greater attention to safety conditions along the highway.
Second Fatal Crash in Four Days
Friday’s collision happened only four days after another deadly Highway 361 crash near Beach Access Road 2.
Monday Crash Killed 59-Year-Old Driver.
The earlier collision occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. Monday and killed 59-year-old Jarrod Fangman.
Investigators said a southbound driver believed to be responsible for the crash swerved into the northbound lane and collided with Fangman’s vehicle. The other Driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Police said alcohol was not believed to have contributed to Monday’s collision.
With Friday’s two deaths, four people have now died in crashes along Highway 361 since Monday, intensifying concerns about conditions on the roadway.
Residents Push for Highway 361 Safety Changes
The recent fatal crashes have renewed calls from Padre Island residents for improvements along Highway 361.
Community members have supported a petition seeking safety changes to the roadway. Concerns include visibility, speeding, and the potential need for infrastructure improvements that could reduce the risk of serious collisions.
State Rep. Todd Hunter has also said he plans to pursue state funding for additional lighting along Highway 361. Improved lighting could increase visibility for drivers, particularly at night.
Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Transportation is reportedly planning potential modifications to the highway. Specific improvements and a timeline for possible construction have not yet been finalized.
Highway 361 serves as an important route for residents, workers, and tourists traveling through the Padre Island area. Traffic can become especially heavy during weekends, holidays, and peak tourism periods.
Investigation Into Friday Crash Continues
Police continue to investigate the four-vehicle crash and have not released a final determination beyond the preliminary information about how the collision occurred.
The two deadly crashes within four days have placed Highway 361 safety under renewed scrutiny. Residents and visitors are now watching closely for possible changes to reduce dangerous crashes along the corridor.
As investigators continue their work, motorists traveling Highway 361 are encouraged to remain attentive, maintain safe following distances, and adjust their speed to traffic and roadway conditions.