EL PASO, Texas — Authorities have identified two men who lost their lives in a devastating crash that occurred Sunday evening on Paisano Street in El Paso’s west side. The El Paso Police Department said officers were called to the scene just before 6 p.m., responding to reports of a severe collision involving a vehicle that had been pursued by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Police confirmed that 30-year-old Axel Evarado Iquic-Sequen, a native of Guatemala, and 22-year-old Manuel Mateo Lopez, from Mexico, both died at the scene. The two were passengers in an Infiniti G37 sedan that crashed during the pursuit. According to investigators, the chase began when Border Patrol agents observed several individuals near the border wall who appeared to enter the sedan. When agents approached, the driver fled, leading to a pursuit along Paisano Drive.
Authorities said the vehicle made a sudden U-turn and began speeding westbound. While attempting to navigate a curve, the driver lost control, striking a curb and a light pole before overturning. The impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle. Emergency personnel from the El Paso Fire Department and Police Department quickly arrived to render aid. Despite their efforts, Iquic-Sequen and Lopez were pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials reported that seven people were inside the car at the time of the crash, including the 18-year-old El Paso driver, who remains hospitalized. The remaining five passengers—believed to be foreign nationals from Guatemala and Honduras—suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe. Authorities are collaborating with federal partners to confirm their identities and notify families abroad.
Sections of Paisano Street were temporarily closed as crash reconstruction teams analyzed the scene. Investigators documented evidence, collected debris, and took measurements to determine how the crash unfolded. The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations Unit, along with U.S. Border Patrol, is leading the ongoing investigation. Officials will review the case to determine whether any charges will be filed once all findings are complete.
The El Paso Police Department extended condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing the tragic consequences of high-speed pursuits. Community members expressed sorrow over the loss of life and urged drivers to cooperate with law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies. Authorities said updates will be released as more details emerge, underscoring that even brief moments of panic behind the wheel can have deadly and lasting consequences.