A tragic crash early Tuesday morning in Potter County, Texas, has left one teenager dead and another seriously injured, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The heartbreaking collision happened along State Highway 136 and has deeply affected families, friends, and community members as they mourn the sudden loss of a young life while praying for the recovery of the injured driver.
Troopers said the crash occurred at approximately 5:51 a.m. on May 26 along SH 136 south of El Rancho Road. Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that a 2016 Ford F-150, driven by 17-year-old Elias Shane Kincanon of Amarillo, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane when it collided head-on with a 2017 Ford Fusion driven by 18-year-old Tori Dakota Bunch of Panhandle.
Authorities stated that the violent impact caused severe damage to both vehicles and led to the Ford F-150 catching fire shortly after the collision. Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene as smoke and flames quickly surrounded the pickup truck. Officials said several Good Samaritans rushed toward the burning vehicle and were able to pull Kincanon to safety before the fire intensified further. Their quick actions likely saved his life during the terrifying moments following the crash.
Kincanon was transported by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, where he remains under medical care for serious injuries. Despite emergency responders arriving quickly at the scene, DPS confirmed that Tori Dakota Bunch suffered fatal injuries and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Her sudden passing has left family members, friends, classmates, and the Panhandle community heartbroken as they struggle to process the devastating tragedy.
Investigators reported that both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. Authorities also confirmed that a secondary crash happened moments later when another southbound vehicle struck the rear right quarter panel of the disabled Ford F-150. Fortunately, officials said no injuries were reported in the secondary collision. Emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours as investigators documented evidence and worked to clear the heavily damaged vehicles from the roadway.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash and what may have caused the pickup truck to travel in the wrong lane. As the investigation moves forward, the tragedy serves as another painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. Loved ones are now mourning the loss of Tori Dakota Bunch, remembering her life, her future, and the memories she leaves behind, while others continue hoping and praying for the recovery of the injured teenager.
