Imperial Valley, CA, (Friday, April 16, 2021) – Thirteen people were killed in a deadly crash that happened on the outskirts of Holtsville in Imperial Valley when the SUV they were travelling in was involved in an accident with a tractor trailer on State Route 115 just after 6am, about 12 miles from the Mexican border.
The SUV, a Ford Expedition, was traveling North carrying 25 people, some Mexican and Guatemalan migrants, when it pulled in front of the rig at an intersection. Police found 12 people dead at the scene, with some ejected from the vehicle onto the pavement while others were found dead inside of the SUV, and other survivors wandering the site. At least six people were taken to a hospital where 1 died, bringing the death toll to a staggering 13. It is unclear how fast either vehicle was traveling or whether or not the SUV stopped at the stop sign.
None of the names of the deceased have been released publicly as authorities have not yet identified all of the victims. The driver of the SUV is among the dead and is a from Mexicali, California, while the driver of the tractor trailer was hospitalized with moderate injuries. The ages of the deceased range from 20-55 and the survivors range from 15-53. Th legal capacity of a Ford Expedition is 8 people.
Imperial Valley is a rich agricultural region, with thousands of farm workers legally crossing the border each day to work in fields but is also known as being a busy corridor for immigrants seeking to cross into the US. It is currently unknown if driving performance drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash or what ultimately caused the deadly crash. California Highway Patrol, El Centro Fire Department, and Customs & Border Protection are all investigating the collision.
“Sadly, there are no words that can comfort all family members and friends as they cope with such tragic loss,” said the attorneys from HWG Law. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all parties affected in this tragedy as they try to piece together what happened.”
