McLennan County Texas — A quiet stretch of State Highway 164 turned deadly early Thursday morning after a violent three-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two Waco residents near the Mart area.
Authorities say the crash happened around 6:30 a.m., about three miles west of Mart, when traffic was still light and visibility was normal.
Investigators report that a Nissan Sentra, driven by 55-year-old Anthony J. Fuentes of Waco, suddenly crossed the center line for reasons still unknown. It moved directly into oncoming traffic.
The Sentra struck a Ford Escape head-on with heavy force. A Nissan Rogue was also caught up in the collision shortly after impact.
The driver of the Ford Escape, 64-year-old Rebecca L. Allen of Waco, did not survive. She was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officials.
Fuentes also died at the scene from the severity of the crash. Both vehicles were heavily damaged, scattered across the roadway in the aftermath.
A third driver, operating the Nissan Rogue, survived the crash with injuries described as not life-threatening. That driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Officials say it is still not clear what caused the Sentra to drift into the opposite lane. The investigation remains open as authorities continue piecing together the moments leading up to the impact.
