Midland County, TX (July 29, 2025) – A devastating wrong-way crash early Saturday morning on Interstate 20 left two men dead and a woman seriously injured.

News sources show that the collision occurred around 1:20 a.m. on July 26 when 34-year-old Henry Anthony Vela was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 in Midland County. Vela’s vehicle collided head-on with a car traveling westbound, driven by 78-year-old William Randolph Smith. Smith’s passenger, a 52-year-old woman, was also inside the vehicle at the time.

After the impact, Vela’s car reportedly caught fire. Both Vela and Smith were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The female passenger was rushed to Midland Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including what may have led to Vela driving the wrong way.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

Details in this article are based on early information released by law enforcement and may be updated as new facts emerge.

• The names of the surviving passenger have not been disclosed, pending further medical and investigative updates.
• Authorities are continuing to review the cause of the crash, including toxicology reports and potential contributing factors.
• Drivers in Midland County should refer to local news or the Department of Public Safety for ongoing traffic alerts related to this investigation.

This article is provided for informational use only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. All information was current at the time of publication and may be revised. Those impacted by this incident are encouraged to seek legal counsel for personalized assistance. Learn more with our disclaimer.