3 die in fiery DWI crash on I-20 in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas - A suspected drunken driver caused a fiery overnight crash that killed three people in Arlington.

The accident happened around 11 p.m. Thursday on eastbound Interstate 20 near Center Street.

“I spoke to one of the officers who was on the scene, and he said it was one of the most horrific crashes he's ever seen in his career,” said Arlington Police Lt. Chris Cook. “So it’s very traumatic for the first responders the Good Samaritans and everyone that tried to stop and help.”

Arlington police said one car became disabled and stopped on the side of the interstate. Another parked behind it after the driver called for help.

The three victims were trying to get the disabled vehicle off the interstate when a suspected drunken driver slammed into them. All three vehicles caught fire, police said.

Several people tried to help, but there was little they could do because of the intense fire.

Video taken by another driver shows one Good Samaritan opening a car door and then stepping back as smoke and fire poured out. Another person tried to get close to a second car but was forced back by the flames.

Police said one person died in the disabled car. The two other victims were outside of the car at the time of the crash. Their names will be released once their family members are notified.

The alleged drunken driver was identified as 29-year-old Jose Castro. He was treated for minor injuries and then booked into the Arlington jail. He was charged with three counts of intoxication manslaughter.

“Where we go from here is we’re really interested in determining where did Mr. Castro come from,” Cook said. “Was he coming from a bar? Was he drinking at home? Something to that effect.”

The highway was closed for several hours Friday morning as police investigated. All lanes are now back open.