Yesterday morning tragedy struck on IH-35 South near Pine Street when a wrong-way driver caused a deadly collision, claiming their own life. San Antonio Police Department officials confirmed that the accident occurred at approximately 2:36 a.m. A green 1999 Ford F-150 was reported to be driving northbound in the southbound lanes, ultimately crashing head-on into a 2018 black Chevrolet Silverado, according to a statement obtained by MySA.
The impact left one person critically injured and in need of immediate medical attention; the other person, the wrong-way driver, was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. The SAPD has yet to release the identity of the deceased. During the life-saving efforts, first responders were seen cutting open the Ford F-150 in a bid to rescue the driver inside, as reported by KENS5. This section of IH-35 South was consequently closed, causing disruption as crews worked diligently to manage the aftermath.
An onlooker, Inez Beltran, witnessed the harrowing event on his way to work and shared his dismay with KENS5, saying, "I was on the other side of the highway, I was parallel to the vehicle in a way so just seeing that you can't help but do anything but pray and just hope everybody makes it out." His physical proximity to the tragedy brought an added layer of shock and sorrow as he later saw images of the fatal scene and learned of the death that occurred.
Further adding to the somber nature of this incident, Beltran expressed a sentiment highlighting the fragility of life and responsibility on the road: "I feel bad for both parties," he told KENS5. "I mean it didn't have to be this way, I mean we all have to take responsibilities for what we do." There were no reports of any other individuals being injured in the incident and as it stands, the investigation remains active.
