Lubbock, TX (July 24, 2026) – Three people died, and four others were hurt on Thursday evening, July 23, in a wrong-way crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 27 in Lubbock.
Police were first notified at approximately 7:23 p.m. about a wrong-way driver near 19th St and I-27. Before officers arrived, the vehicle collided with two other vehicles in the 6600 block of I-27. When emergency units reached the scene, two of the vehicles were engulfed in flames. An officer rescued a 3-year-old child from one of the burning vehicles and suffered minor injuries during the rescue. The child was taken to University Medical Center with serious injuries, while a 2-year-old child in the same vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Oscar Hernandez Sotelo Jr. was traveling south in the northbound lanes when it struck a car driven by 24-year-old Jairon Foster. Foster was hospitalized with serious injuries, while his passenger, 60-year-old Lakecha Collins, died at the scene. Police said Sotelo’s vehicle continued south before colliding head-on with a pickup truck. The driver of the truck, 28-year-old Alexis Wallace, and her passenger, 19-year-old Aaliyah Wallace, were taken to Covenant Medical Center with serious injuries. Sotelo also died at the scene. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, and preliminary information indicates alcohol and speed may have contributed.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Why Are Wrong-Way Crashes Among the Most Severe?
Wrong-way crashes are frequently associated with catastrophic injuries because they involve head-on impacts at highway speeds. When vehicles are traveling toward one another, the combined force of the collision can significantly increase the severity of injuries and damage.
Investigators reviewing these crashes commonly examine roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and available surveillance or traffic camera footage. They may also consider factors such as driver impairment, excessive speed, roadway design, and visibility to better understand how the vehicle entered the wrong side of the highway.
Transportation agencies continue to study methods for reducing wrong-way crashes through improved signage, pavement markings, detection systems, and public awareness. These measures are intended to help drivers recognize roadway directions sooner and reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies.
