Smoke filled the air and debris scattered across the street in the moments after the crash. **Luis Hernandez Vasquez**, 78, had been driving through East El Paso when tragedy struck — his car went airborne and slammed into the side of a building, leaving behind a scene of chaos and disbelief.According to police, the crash happened at the intersection of
Grover and Hawkins**. Vasquez reportedly ran a stop sign, struck the center median, and lost control of his vehicle. The impact sent the car over the curb and into a nearby structure, causing significant damage to both the car and the building. Witnesses described hearing a violent explosion of metal and glass, followed by a thick cloud of smoke that filled the air.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes. Firefighters and paramedics pulled Vasquez from the wreckage and performed life-saving measures at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say no one else was injured in the incident, though the building sustained visible structural damage.
Investigators with the **El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations Unit** are now working to determine what caused Vasquez to lose control. Early reports suggest that a **medical emergency or mechanical failure** may have contributed to the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Neighbors who witnessed the aftermath expressed sadness for the longtime El Paso resident, describing him as polite and kind-hearted. His death marks the **52nd traffic fatality** in El Paso this year — a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change on the road.As the community reflects on the tragedy, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Luis Hernandez Vasquez. May he rest in peace.
