Three people were dead following a traffic crash at an intersection in El Paso’s Lower Valley on Wednesday afternoon. Police traffic investigators were summoned to the scene at North Loop Drive and Lee Trevino Drive around 2:30 p.m. to determine what led up to the crash, which happened around 1:45 p.m.
In the deadly collision with a semi and SUV, the police confirmed three deaths from the accidents and said all of the deceased were in the SUV. The driver of the semi was not seriously injured.
Emergency crews had to use the ‘jaws of life’ to extract two of the deceased from the SUV; the third victim was found outside the vehicle and didn’t have to be extracted. North Loop and Lee Trevino – in all directions – were closed due to the crash. As of 5:30 p.m., Texas Department of Transportation stated. the closure will last for an unknown duration.
The cause of the wreck is still under investigation, but police say it appears the SUV ran a red light. The accident was also caught on video that shows the speeding SUV running the light just before the collision. Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward.
Police have confirmed and identified all three of the deceased, the victims were 69–year-old driver David Valles, 67-year-old passenger Elia DelaCruz Valles, and a 90-year-old man who was also a passenger whose name is not released.
The drive of the semi 59-year-old Daniel Barrio Baray of Midland, Texas was taken to the hospital for possible injuries. Police say he was not hurt, but they’re still looking to interview him.
Police say the accident was the 64th- 66th traffic fatality this year in El Paso. There were a total of 65 traffic fatalities last year at this same time.
If you or a loved on have been in accident with a commercial vehicle please reach out to the Accident Injury Legal Center to find out your legal rights.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center Helpline at 855-906-3002.