Fatal Chain Reaction Crash Investigated on I-10 East in El Paso

The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations unit is currently conducting an inquiry into a fatal collision that transpired on I-10 East near Mile Marker #16.

Preliminary findings suggest that a chain reaction involving three vehicles led to the tragic incident. The roadway had previously been closed due to another fatal collision at I-10 East MM 18, causing a semi-truck, driven by a 54-year-old man from McLean, VA, to park on the right emergency lane of I-10 East.

At Mile Marker #16, 31-year-old Martin Medina of Chaparral, NM, inexplicably veered to the right, colliding with the left rear corner of the parked semi-trailer. The impact was so forceful that it caused the right side and roof of the Nissan Versa, driven by Medina, to detach.

In the aftermath, 31-year-old Alexander Ortiz of Chaparral, NM, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. Medina, also not wearing a seatbelt, remained inside the car following the collision.

Upon assessment, officers determined that Medina was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Consequently, he faces charges of Intoxication Manslaughter, with a bond set at $100,000.

The investigation is ongoing.