On two consecutive nights in Central Texas, emergency responders faced the daunting task of managing serious car accidents that disrupted local travel but, fortunately, did not result in reported injuries. While both incidents caused temporary road closures and headaches for motorists, the swift work of police and fire crews helped restore order before the night was out.
The first of these incidents unfolded on Friday, December 20, 2025, in the town of Manor, just east of Austin. According to Manor police, officers were dispatched to the scene of a rollover crash at approximately 9:52 p.m. The accident occurred on Gregg Lane, between Fuchs Grove Road and North FM 973—a stretch of road that, on most nights, sees only a trickle of local traffic but, on this occasion, was abruptly transformed into the site of flashing lights and emergency vehicles.
As reported by Manor PD and covered by local outlets, the immediate aftermath of the crash saw Gregg Lane completely closed to traffic. Police and responders worked diligently to clear the wreckage and ensure that no hazards remained on the roadway. For a period of just over half an hour, the closure forced drivers to seek alternate routes and caused some confusion for those unfamiliar with the area.
By 10:23 p.m., police announced that the lanes had reopened and normal traffic flow had resumed. In a welcome bit of good news, officials confirmed that no injuries had been reported as a result of the rollover. The cause of the accident was not detailed in the reports, but the rapid reopening of the road suggested that responders were able to resolve the situation efficiently.
Photographs released by Manor PD showed the scene illuminated by the harsh glare of emergency lights, with responders standing by as the vehicle was righted and debris cleared. The incident, while alarming for those involved and for local residents, ultimately ended without tragedy—something that cannot always be said for rollover crashes, which are often among the most dangerous types of single-vehicle accidents.
Less than 24 hours later, another serious crash rattled nerves in the small community of Old Dime Box, Texas, located northeast of Manor in Lee County. On the evening of December 21, 2025, a major car accident occurred along East Highway 21 at the intersection with FM141, according to KBTX and statements from local officials.
Details about the number of vehicles involved or the specific circumstances of the crash were not immediately available. However, the impact was significant enough that part of the road had to be closed to traffic. A Lee County official told KBTX that travelers should expect heavy traffic and delays in the area, and the Dime Box Volunteer Fire Department issued a public plea asking people to avoid the scene altogether while emergency crews worked.
Images shared by the Dime Box Volunteer Fire Department depicted fire trucks and emergency vehicles blocking the highway, with responders directing traffic and assessing the aftermath. The situation underscored the challenges faced by rural fire and rescue teams, who often cover vast areas with limited resources and must rely on the cooperation of the public to keep accident scenes safe and accessible.
As of the time of reporting, there were no official statements regarding injuries or fatalities related to the Old Dime Box crash. The primary focus, according to authorities, was on managing the immediate safety risks and clearing the roadway as quickly as possible. The Dime Box Volunteer Fire Department, in its advisory, emphasized the importance of keeping the area clear for emergency vehicles and urged residents to stay updated through local news channels for further information.
Both incidents serve as stark reminders of the unpredictability of road travel, especially during the busy holiday season when traffic volumes often spike and weather conditions can change rapidly. While neither crash resulted in reported injuries, the disruptions were a source of anxiety for local residents and travelers alike.
According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, December is historically one of the most hazardous months for drivers in the state, with increased travel for holidays and end-of-year events contributing to a higher risk of accidents. Rural roads, like those in Manor and Old Dime Box, can be especially treacherous after dark, when visibility drops and response times may be longer due to distance from major emergency facilities.
For the responders in both Manor and Old Dime Box, the events of December 20 and 21 were a test of preparedness and coordination. The Manor Police Department, working in conjunction with local fire and rescue teams, managed to clear the Gregg Lane rollover in just over 30 minutes—a testament to their efficiency and training. In Old Dime Box, the volunteer fire department’s quick mobilization and clear communication helped prevent further incidents and kept the public informed about ongoing hazards.
Travelers passing through these areas were reminded of the importance of patience and caution when encountering emergency scenes. As the Dime Box Volunteer Fire Department put it in their public advisory, avoiding the area not only protects drivers from delays but also gives responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.
For local officials, the back-to-back incidents are likely to prompt renewed discussions about road safety, emergency response protocols, and the need for public awareness campaigns—especially as the state heads into the heart of winter driving season. While no single measure can eliminate the risk of accidents, a combination of infrastructure improvements, driver education, and community engagement can help reduce the frequency and severity of such events.
As the roads in Manor and Old Dime Box returned to normal, residents and officials alike breathed a sigh of relief. The quick resolution of both incidents, and the absence of reported injuries, were small victories in what could have been much more serious situations. Still, for those who witnessed the flashing lights and detours, the message was clear: even on familiar roads, vigilance and care remain as important as ever.
In the end, the events of December 20 and 21 were reminders of both the dangers that lurk on Texas highways and the quiet heroism of the responders who keep those roads safe. For the communities of Manor and Old Dime Box, the hope is that such nights remain rare—and that every traveler makes it home safely.
