A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 27 in Lubbock, Texas, has left a community grieving after three people, including a young child, lost their lives and several others were seriously injured in a fiery multi-vehicle collision Thursday evening.
According to the Lubbock Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, the tragic crash occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. in the 6500 block of I-27 after authorities received reports of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate.
Investigators said Oscar Hernandez Sotelo Jr., 29, was driving a passenger vehicle southbound in the northbound lanes of I-27 when he collided head-on with another passenger vehicle traveling northbound. The second vehicle was driven by Jairon Foster, 24, with Lakecha Collins, 60, as a passenger.
When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they discovered multiple vehicles involved in the collision, with two vehicles engulfed in flames. Amid the dangerous conditions, a Lubbock police officer bravely assisted in removing a 3-year-old child from one of the burning vehicles. The child was transported by ambulance to University Medical Center for treatment after suffering injuries.
Tragically, a 2-year-old child who was also inside the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The heartbreaking loss of the young child has added to the grief surrounding the crash, leaving family members and the community devastated.
Following the initial collision, Sotelo Jr.’s vehicle struck a pickup truck in a second head-on impact. Both vehicles caught fire, and Sotelo Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lakecha Collins was also pronounced dead at the crash site. Jairon Foster was transported to University Medical Center with serious injuries. The occupants of the pickup truck, identified as Alexis Wallace, 28, and Aaliyah Wallace, 19, were transported to Covenant Medical Center with serious injuries.
Authorities said preliminary information indicates that speed and alcohol may have contributed to the tragic collision. However, the investigation remains ongoing as officials continue working to determine the full circumstances that led to the wrong-way crash.
The loss of Oscar Hernandez Sotelo Jr., Lakecha Collins, and the young child has left family members, friends, and the Lubbock community mourning an unimaginable tragedy. Loved ones are remembering those lost while praying for the recovery of those injured.
The Lubbock Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or may have captured video footage before the collision to come forward and assist investigators.
As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences remain with all families affected by this heartbreaking crash. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may the injured victims receive strength and healing in the days ahead.