On the night of August 30, 2025, a devastating multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of US Highway 290 North and Saratoga Farms Boulevard in Elgin, Texas, claimed the lives of two cherished individuals and left a community grappling with grief. At approximately 11:55 PM, the quiet night was shattered by the violent impact of two vehicles, which erupted into flames, engulfing the scene in chaos and tragedy.
A nearby police officer, refueling at a QT gas station, sprang into action, rushing to the crash site to assist in rescuing trapped victims. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders, 66-year-old Robbie Carter of McDade, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene, his life extinguished amid the wreckage. Multiple helicopters and ambulances descended on the area, ferrying the injured to hospitals across Austin as the community held its breath.
Among the casualties was 13-year-old Yareli Padierna of Elgin, a vibrant young soul who fought for survival but tragically succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Four other victims remain hospitalized, their conditions a somber reminder of the crash’s devastating toll. The Elgin Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team, alongside Crime Scene and Command staff, is diligently investigating the cause of the collision, seeking answers to a tragedy that has left families and neighbors in mourning.
Robbie Carter, known for his warmth and ties to McDade, and Yareli Padierna, a bright light taken too soon, leave behind a legacy of love and memories. As the investigation continues, the community of Elgin unites in sorrow, honoring the lives lost and praying for those still fighting to recover.