George Alvarez identified as driver in Texas migrant shelter crash as death toll rises to eight

Brownsville police have identified the driver in a fatal car crash that left eight people dead outside a migrant centre in Texas.

Chief Felix Sauceda identified the driver as George Alvarez, 34.

Mr Sauceda said Mr Alvarez lost control of his SUV while running a red light. The SUV then rolled onto its side and slammed into a group of people outside a migrant centre. Police found six people dead when they arrived and another 12 that were in need of critical care. The death toll later rose to eight.

Mr Alvarez allegedly tried to flee the scene of the accident, but was held down by bystanders, according to the chief.