Xochitl Lopez, Salvador Mendoza, Ilda Nieves, Honorio Navarro ID’d as 5 Victims Killed in George West Crash on U.S. Highway 59

George West, Texas (January 7, 2023) – Authorities have identified five people who died in a three-vehicle crash last week on Friday near George West as Xochitl Veronica Lopez, 39, of Houston, Salvador Almeda Mendoza, 47, of Ganado, Ilda Briones Nieves, 58, and Honorio Lazo Navarro, 74, both of Ganado.

The deadly crash occurred at about 6:20 p.m. Friday, December 30, on U.S. Highway 59 near George West, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Corpus Christi.

Authorities said a minivan was heading southbound on U.S. Highway 59 when it attempted to overtake a vehicle in a no-passing zone and collided head-on with an SUV that was traveling northbound.

The SUV was then hit from behind by a sedan. The vehicle that was being passed was not struck in the crash.

The driver of the minivan, now identified as Lopez, was pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger in the minivan also died at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, Mendoza, and his two passengers, Nieves and Navarro, were also killed in the crash. The sixth deceased person, whose name has not been released, was a passenger in the sedan.

Five other people sustained non-incapacitating injuries and were transported to a hospital.

It is undetermined if alcohol played a role in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

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