Sandy Almanza Killed in Multi-Vehicle Accident on I-10 in El Paso

Early Sunday morning, a tragic multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 claimed the life of an El Paso woman. The crash occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on August 4, near Don Haskins Drive, situated between Loop 375 and Zaragoza Road on the far East Side of El Paso.

The victim has been identified as 49-year-old Sandy Almanza. According to police reports, Almanza was driving a 2022 Honda Accord westbound on I-10 when her vehicle collided with the rear of a trailer that was stopped in the emergency lane. The driver of the semi-truck, 43-year-old Mustapha Saddiqi from Forney, Texas, was parked in the right emergency lane at the time of the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed, alcohol consumption, and an unsafe lane change might have contributed to the accident. The sequence of events began when Almanza’s Honda Accord and a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 25-year-old Jorge Alexis Gamboa, attempted to change lanes simultaneously. This maneuver led to a collision between the two vehicles, causing both drivers to lose control.

Following the initial impact, Almanza’s vehicle veered into the right emergency lane and crashed into the back of the parked semi-truck. The force of the collision was severe, and unfortunately, Sandy Almanza was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck, Saddiqi, was unharmed.

This tragic accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and the contributing factors of speed and alcohol in traffic fatalities. As of now, there have been 38 traffic-related fatalities in El Paso this year, a slight decrease from the 47 recorded at the same time last year, according to police data.

The El Paso Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash. They are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together a complete picture of what led to this tragic event. Authorities are urging drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid alcohol consumption when driving, and exercise caution when changing lanes, especially on busy highways.

Sandy Almanza’s sudden and tragic death has deeply impacted her family and the El Paso community. Friends and loved ones remember her as a caring and vibrant individual whose life was cut short far too soon. As the investigation progresses, the community stands united in mourning and in calling for increased awareness and adherence to road safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

In the coming days, further details may emerge regarding the investigation, and plans for memorial services will likely be announced. The community extends its heartfelt condolences to Sandy Almanza’s family during this difficult time, hoping for justice and answers as to what caused this devastating accident.