In the darkness of a late Saturday night, tragedy struck the small town of Elgin, Texas, shattering the lives of two families and leaving a community in mourning. At approximately 11:55 p.m. on August 30, 2025, a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of US Highway 290 North and Saratoga Farms Boulevard claimed the lives of 66-year-old Robbie Carter of McDade and 13-year-old Yareli Padierna of Elgin, while leaving four others fighting for survival in local hospitals.
The chaos unfolded in an instant, as multiple vehicles collided with such force that two burst into flames, illuminating the night with an eerie glow. A lone Elgin police officer, refueling at a nearby QT gas station, became an unexpected hero. Dropping everything, he sprinted to the scene, pulling victims from mangled, burning wreckage before fire and rescue crews could arrive. His quick thinking undoubtedly saved lives, but the devastation was overwhelming.
Robbie Carter, a cherished grandfather known for his warm smile and deep ties to the McDade community, was pronounced dead at the scene, his vehicle reduced to a charred shell. Meanwhile, emergency responders worked frantically to transport the injured, with helicopters slicing through the night sky and ambulances racing to Austin-area hospitals. Among the wounded was young Yareli Padierna, a vibrant Elgin teenager with dreams as bright as her spirit. Despite the efforts of medical teams, Yareli succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, leaving her family and friends heartbroken.
Four others remain hospitalized, grappling with serious injuries, their conditions shrouded in uncertainty as families hold vigil. The Elgin Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team, alongside Crime Scene and Command staff, worked tirelessly through the night, piecing together evidence to uncover the cause of the deadly collision. Authorities have yet to release details about what sparked the tragedy, and the investigation remains ongoing, with the community anxiously awaiting answers.
Elgin, a tight-knit town, now grapples with the loss of two souls—one a pillar of wisdom and kindness, the other a young life brimming with potential. As the investigation continues, residents are left to honor the memories of Robbie and Yareli, their lives forever woven into the fabric of a grieving community.