Published: November 11, 2009 06:27 pm      

Groves woman killed in I10 wreck

After an evening at the Delta Downs Race Track in Vinton La., two Groves residents were involved in a wreck which resulted in the death of the passenger.

Esperanza Torres, 42, was killed about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday as the vehicle she was in struck a tractor trailer in the 6900 block of the north service road of Interstate 10.

Torres was transferred to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont and died a short time later as a result of the injuries she received from the incident.

According to information from the Orange Police Department, the 2003 Honda Odyssey driven by a Ricardo Yanez, 50, was traveling westbound and had taken the Highway 62 exit.

A tractor trailer was towing another tractor trailer and had stopped due to mechanical issues in the outside lane of the of the feeder road. The driver of the van failed to control his speed causing him to strike one of the tractor trailers as the other tried to change lanes, according to reports.

Yanez tried to avoid striking the tractor trailers, but was unsuccessful as he struck the corner of the tractor trailer. As a result, extensive damage was done to the passenger side of the Honda, according to reports.

Torres received severe injuries to her right arm and leg. After being transported to the hospital by ambulance, she was pronounced dead at 6:27 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered.

The driver of the Honda was transported to Baptist Hospital-Orange with minor injuries. He was treated and released.

The 50-year-old driver of tractor trailer which was struck was not injured. 

The case is still under investigation by Orange Police Department Detective R. Campbell. Toxicology reports as well as charges are pending against the driver of the Honda.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.