Two people were killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 35W near Garden Acres Drive in Fort Worth at 2:08 a.m. on January 17, 2026. Authorities identified the victims as 44-year-old Saul Carlos Flores and 63-year-old Fructoso Cielo Tlatenchi, both pronounced dead after their vehicle was struck head-on.
The collision unfolded when an 18-year-old driver entered the northbound lanes of I-35W traveling in the wrong direction. The vehicle collided head-on with the victims’ car, causing catastrophic damage. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Flores and Tlatenchi were unable to survive the impact. The crash occurred just south of Fort Worth in the busy Garden Acres Drive area, a stretch of highway known for heavy traffic even during late hours.
Police identified the wrong-way driver as Axel Perez, who was arrested at the scene. Jail records confirm that Perez faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle, a felony offense under Texas law. Investigators noted that alcohol impairment is suspected to have played a role in the crash, intensifying the tragedy of the incident. Perez remains in custody as the criminal case moves forward.
The aftermath of the collision left Interstate 35W closed for several hours as Fort Worth investigators worked to document the scene. Traffic investigators marked debris, skid patterns, and vehicle positions while emergency crews extinguished flames and cleared wreckage. The highway was eventually reopened later that morning, but the disruption underscored the severity of the crash.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identities of both victims, noting Flores was 44 years old and Tlatenchi was 63. Their deaths have left families and friends grieving, with the community shaken by the sudden loss of life caused by reckless driving. The case highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences of wrong-way collisions on major highways.
As the investigation continues, Fort Worth police are expected to pursue the intoxicated manslaughter charges against Perez while reviewing all evidence collected from the scene. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance on Texas highways, where wrong-way crashes, though rare, often result in fatalities. The community now awaits the outcome of the criminal proceedings, hoping for accountability in the wake of this heartbreaking event.