Wrong-way driver causes fiery crash that kills Corpus Christi couple

CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx – A wrong-way driver on Interstate Highway 37 caused a horrific crash that left two Corpus Christi people dead.

According to Texas Highway Patrol Staff Sergeant Rob Mallory, a 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Junior Velasquez, 32, of San Antonio, was traveling the wrong way in the northbound lanes of Interstate Highway 37 near mile marker 53 on Monday, Oct. 28 around Oct. 7. :28 hours

The Ram 2500 that Velasquez was driving struck a Volkswagen Atlas head-on as it was traveling north in the inside lane.

“The Atlas left the roadway and came to rest against the median of the cable barrier. Several motorists stopped to help and attempted to pull the occupants of the Atlas from the vehicle. The Atlas caught fire and the driver, Joseph Thompson (45 ) ), and his passenger, Jessica Thompson, 44, of Corpus Christi, were trapped in the vehicle and succumbed to their injuries,” said Sgt.

Both Joseph and Jessica Thompson were pronounced deceased by Judge Donnie Watkins.

After an investigation, Troopers determined that Velasquez was intoxicated, and he was taken into custody and charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter.

“He was transported to Christus Spohn Hospital in Beeville for medical clearance and then transported to the Live Oak County Jail,” added Sgt. Mallory.

Officials say the crash remains under investigation by troopers from the George West Highway Patrol Office.