Investigation finds El Paso driver not at fault in fatal Juarez bridge crash

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - A 19-year-old driver from El Paso who was detained following a fatal traffic incident on the Cordova-Americas International Bridge was released after investigators determined that the crash was caused by the pedestrian's actions, authorities said. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office announced that it conducted technical and scientific investigations after the July 5 incident, which claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy. According to officials, the crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. on the Cordova-Americas International Bridge. The driver was initially turned over to prosecutors by Mexico's National Guard while the investigation was underway. Specialized forensic personnel analyzed the scene and issued a traffic accident report concluding that the area where the collision occurred is a restricted zone where pedestrians and street vendors are prohibited. They also determined that warning signs showing that pedestrian access is forbidden are posted in the area. Based on those findings, investigators determined that the pedestrian crossing the international bridge in an area not designated for pedestrian traffic was the cause of the crash. Authorities released the driver on Tuesday, July 7. The driver had been identified as 19-year-old Valentin H.R. of El Paso, Texas. The Prosecutor's Office said the investigation remains open. Editor's Note: ProVideo contributed to this report.