A tragic sequence of events unfolded last Thursday on the Southwest Side when a stolen vehicle led to a devastating multi-car crash on Interstate 35, claiming the lives of five individuals. According to KTSA, the collision occurred around 2:45 p.m. near Cassin Road, involving a white Chevrolet Camaro, a small bus, and an 18-wheeler. The bus was forcefully pushed into a guardrail following the initial impact, only to be struck by the 18-wheeler shortly afterwards, causing the bus to tilt and subsequently eject several passengers.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the death of a fifth victim as a result of the crash. Initial reports accounted for two immediate fatalities, with the toll sadly rising in the days following the accident. KSAT named two of the deceased as Judith Paulsen, 79, and Alicia Cisneros Gonzales, 42, with Rosalio Aguilera, 69, and Jose Guerra, 50, being identified later. The fifth victim remains unnamed.
Following the crash, Chief William McManus of the San Antonio Police Department relayed that four individuals had fled from the Camaro, one of whom was carrying a long gun. As reported by KTSA, by Monday, no arrests had been made. The situation is further muddled by conflicting reports regarding whether the individuals from the Camaro were armed, with SAPD's report indicating "an unconfirmed number of individuals" exited the vehicle, but not confirming any were armed.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the San Antonio Fire Department confirmed that eight people sustained life-threatening injuries, while thirteen others suffered minor injuries. These casualties spanned a broad age range, from young children to older adults, as "McManus stated." San Antonio's University Health provided care for 15 patients; tragically, two succumbed to their injuries on Thursday. As of Monday, University Health continues to treat a child and an adult both reported to be in "good condition," and another adult listed in "fair condition," according to information provided to KSAT.
The community continues to monitor developments as the investigation progresses, with local law enforcement actively searching for the individuals involved in the stolen Camaro linked to the incident. The event has had lasting consequences for the affected families and the Southwest Side community.
