EL PASO, Texas — Police have identified the man killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 10 West near Mesa Street as Jesus Chico Jr., 25, according to El Paso authorities. The deadly collision happened Tuesday night and has renewed concerns about impaired and wrong-way driving across the Borderland.
Investigators with the Special Traffic Investigations Unit said the crash occurred when Britney Torres was driving a 2017 Ford Mustang in the wrong direction on I-10 West. Her vehicle collided head-on with Chico’s 2009 Honda Civic, resulting in a violent impact that left Chico with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Torres suffered minor injuries, though police have not released additional details about her condition.
The DWI Task Force has been called in to assist with the investigation as authorities work to determine what led to the wrong-way driving. Officials have not yet confirmed whether impairment was a factor, but the involvement of the task force indicates the case is being treated with heightened scrutiny. The investigation remains active, and no charges have been announced at this time.
This tragic crash marks the fifth traffic fatality in El Paso so far this year, matching the number of traffic deaths reported at the same point in 2025, according to officials. Police also noted a troubling trend, revealing that three wrong-way crashes have already been reported in the Borderland just this week, raising alarm among safety advocates and city leaders.
In response to growing concerns over roadway safety, El Paso city leaders held a press conference several weeks ago to address impaired driving and wrong-way crashes. Officials outlined ongoing efforts aimed at preventing deadly incidents, emphasizing enforcement, education, and improved roadway design to protect drivers and reduce loss of life.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says multiple countermeasures are already in place across the El Paso District. In a statement, TxDOT said wrong-way driver prevention tools include specialized signage and pavement markings installed on freeway off-ramps in line with state standards. The agency also continues to roll out new technology such as reflective pavement arrows, LED flashing wrong-way signs, and thermal sensors powered by artificial intelligence to detect and deter wrong-way drivers. Authorities say the investigation into Chico’s death is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
