HOLTVILLE, Calif. — The El Centro Sector Border Patrol says it believes the victims killed in a crash Tuesday in Holtville were illegal immigrants who were smuggled through a dilapidated border fence near Calexico.
13 people were killed in the crash and numerous others were injured when an SUV collided with a tractor trailer near the U.S.-Mexico border.
“We pray for the accident victims and their families during this difficult time,” said El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. “Initial investigation into the origins of the vehicles indicate a potential nexus to the aforementioned breach in the border wall. Human smugglers have proven time and again they have little regard for human life. Those who may be contemplating crossing the border illegally should pause to think of the dangers that all too often end in tragedy; tragedies our Border Patrol Agents and first responders are unfortunately very familiar with.”
The deadly crash occurred on Highway 115 at Norrish Road in the city of Holtville — 125 miles east of San Diego.
Officials say 27 people were passengers in the SUV which violently struck a tractor-trailer that was hauling gravel. 12 people died at the scene and another died en route to the hospital, according to El Centro Regional Medical Center spokesperson Judy Cruz. Several more were transported in various conditions.
It was not immediately clear what caused the crash.
UPDATE: 15 dead, others injured after SUV with 27 people collides with big rig in SoCal – https://t.co/oRjIf7XIx0 pic.twitter.com/cNs3dLR29I
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 2, 2021
