POTTER COUNTY, TEXAS — A devastating head-on crash early Tuesday morning on State Highway 136 has left 18-year-old Tori Dakota Bunch of Panhandle dead and 17-year-old Elias Shane Kincanon of Amarillo seriously injured, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities confirmed the collision occurred at approximately 5:51 a.m. on May 26, just south of El Rancho Road, under circumstances that investigators say remain under active review.
Preliminary findings 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. The wrong-way travel led to a violent impact that left both vehicles heavily damaged and emergency responders rushing to the scene in the early morning darkness.
Following the collision, the Ford F-150 caught fire, intensifying the urgency of rescue efforts. Officials said that before the flames fully engulfed the vehicle, bystanders—described by authorities as Good Samaritans—acted quickly and were able to pull the driver from the burning pickup, likely preventing an even greater loss of life.
Kincanon was transported by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, where he is being treated for serious injuries.
Despite rapid emergency response, Tori Dakota Bunch was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of injuries sustained in the crash. Her death has left family, friends, and the Panhandle community mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a young life.
Investigators with DPS confirmed that both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Even so, the force of the impact was severe enough to cause catastrophic damage to both vehicles involved.
Authorities also reported that a secondary crash occurred shortly after the initial collision. In that incident, another southbound vehicle struck the rear right quarter panel of the disabled Ford F-150. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported in the secondary collision.
The crash scene remained active for an extended period as officials worked to document evidence, clear debris, and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the wrong-way driving incident.
At this time, no further details have been released regarding what caused the F-150 to enter the wrong lane. Investigators continue to examine all possible factors as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized that the case remains open and urged anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to fully determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on Texas roadways. One family is now grieving an unimaginable loss, while another holds onto hope for recovery amid serious injuries.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic crash.
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