Survivor of fatal Brownsville bus stop crash reflects on recovery one year later

Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of a fatal crash outside a migrant shelter in Brownsville.

Eight migrants died and nine others were injured after an SUV crashed into them while they were waiting at a bus stop at the corner of Minnesota and Houston roads on May 7, 2023.

It’s a memory that’s still fresh for Gabriel Gallardo. He and his two cousins ​​were among those hit by a motorist in front of the Ozanam Center.

One of Gallardo’s cousins ​​did not survive the accident. The other suffered several fractures and underwent two months of therapy.

Gallardo lost his leg.

ORIGINAL STORY: Driver of fatal Brownsville crash arrested, facing multiple charges

“I remember how sad it all was and how my life changed from one night to the next,” Gallardo said.

Gallardo is originally from Venezuela and was planning to go to New York to find work before the accident.

“I wanted to give them everything, for my mother to no longer work, to give a better future to my grandfather, my wife and my children,” Gallardo said. “But in this situation, I feel like I don’t even know what to do.”

Gallardo now lives in Harlingen with his wife and their two children.

“Unfortunately it happened, but that’s what happened to me and that’s what I have to live with,” Gallardo said. “But I have to learn to live with it and move forward.”

Gallardo said he just received his work permit and is now looking for a job.

The Ozanam Center helped Gallardo bring his family to the Rio Grande Valley.

Ozanam Center Executive Director Victor Maldonado says the center also provided him and others with rental assistance for a year.

Maldonado says even though the city moved the bus stop, he believes those there are still in danger.

“Everyone is left standing every morning, unprotected, if something like this horrible situation were to happen again,” Maldonado said.

There is now a construction site where the bus stop used to be. Even though the bus stop is gone, those who were there and those who lost loved ones will never forget what happened.

Gallardo said his prosthetic is a constant reminder. He knows his injuries present an additional challenge, but he plans to find a way to provide for his family.

“With the desire to move forward, I don’t think a prosthetic leg will take away my desire to work. I want to do what I came to do,” Gallardo said.

George Alvarez, the driver arrested in connection with the crash, remains behind bars.

LEARN MORE: Trial date set for man accused of ramming crowd of migrants last May in Brownsville

A trial date is set for June 24, 2024.

Watch the video above for the full story.