On Monday morning, a semi‑truck and five other vehicles collided on the Loop 375 (Transmountain) overpass at I‑10 near North Desert Boulevard, according to KVIA. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maps show the crash occurred at approximately 10:38 a.m., forcing the closure of all lanes in both directions until further notice.
El Paso Police Department Detective Judy Ovidedo confirmed that one man died in the crash, though police have not released identifying details. Ten people were assessed as patients by the El Paso Fire Department. One victim was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital, four others were taken to hospitals with varying injuries, and four individuals refused transport. The department has not disclosed information about the tenth person.
In response to the incident, TxDOT issued a statement addressing a public request to restrict semi‑truck traffic on the Transmountain segment of Loop 375. The agency clarified that it generally lacks authority to prohibit state‑highway use by vehicles operating within legal size and weight limits. Instead, TxDOT emphasized its focus on infrastructure improvements, traffic operations, and safety enhancements. The statement highlighted that the mechanical runaway truck ramp on Transmountain Road is fully operational, with portable message signs, permanent dynamic message signs (DMS), additional distance signs, beacons, and rumble strips warning drivers of the steep grades and the ramp’s location on the left side of the roadway.
TxDOT also noted that this is the first mechanical ramp system on Loop 375, adding to three existing gravel truck runaway ramps (one westbound, two eastbound). Additional permanent signage now provides advance warnings of steep grades and advises trucks to use lower gears. The agency said it will continue to evaluate potential future enhancements to improve safety for all motorists.
Police closed several surrounding streets to facilitate emergency response and investigation, including Loop 375 at North Desert and South Desert, Road A, Isela Rubalcava Boulevard, and Talbot Avenue at Spur 16. The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigators Unit is handling the investigation, and officials have not released further details about the cause of the crash.
What’s next: TxDOT will maintain the current signage and ramp warnings while assessing additional safety measures for the Transmountain corridor. The El Paso Police Department will continue its investigation, and the closed roadways are expected to remain shut until investigators complete their work and officials deem the area safe for reopening.
Sources: kvia.com
