El Paso Police officer killed removing traffic hazard

UPDATES

12:20 p.m.

El Paso Police Department spokesman Detective Mike Baranyay confirmed the officer involved in the accident died after being taken to Del Sol Medical Center.

According to Baranyay, 27-year-old Angel Garcia responded to a call of a ladder left on the interstate.

At around 7:15 a.m., Garcia got out of his police vehicle to collect the ladder when he was hit by another vehicle, officials said. This lead to the collision of two more vehicles.

A total of four vehicles were involved in the accident, including the police car, an explorer, the semi-truck and another vehicle, according to Baranyay.

Baranyay said Garcia had only been out of the Academy for 9 months.

An investigation continues surrounding the accident.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the ladder fall from a vehicle, or the accident occur, to call them at 832-4400 or 566-TIPS.

At this time no citations have been handed out.

9:28 a.m. According to ABC-7s photographer on the scene, a police unit appears to be crushed between a semi-truck and the cement barrier.

ORIGINAL STORY

An El Paso Police officer is in critical condition Sunday morning following a collision involving an 18 wheeler and several other vehicles.

El Paso Police Department spokesman Detective Mike Baranyay has confirmed the officer was transported to Del Sol Medical Center.

At this time officials did not say if the injured officer was in his police unit or on foot when he was injured.

Interstate 10 Eastbound near Cielo Vista was closed off due to the collision.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

This accident is the second involving a semi truck in the last 12 hours, according to officials.

Check back for additional updates.