An early-morning single-vehicle crash near downtown San Antonio left at least one person in critical condition on Saturday, after a car careened off an I-35 exit ramp and into a utility pole, according to police. The wreck unfolded just after 1 a.m. on the northbound I-35 exit at Powell Street and drew a heavy response from fire and medical crews. Detectives worked the scene overnight as the ramp stayed shut down and traffic was diverted around the crash site. Officials have not yet released the names of those involved, according to KENS 5.
Crash details
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed while taking the I-35 exit when the driver lost control. The car left the roadway and struck a utility pole, scattering debris across the ramp and forcing officers to close the exit while they investigated, KENS 5 reported.
Detectives remained on scene collecting evidence and documenting the crash as traffic was redirected away from the blocked exit.
Injuries and investigation
"The driver lost control and slammed into a utility pole," SAPD told KENS 5. At least one occupant was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. No other injuries were immediately reported at the scene, according to the outlet.
Police said the crash remains under investigation. Detectives are reviewing available evidence, including any video, as they work to determine what led up to the collision. Authorities also asked drivers to steer clear of the area while crews clear the ramp and complete their work.
Traffic and local context
The wreck happened on a stretch of I-35 that has already been a source of frustration for many downtown drivers, with frequent repairs and lane shifts reshaping how traffic moves through the core of the city.
TxDOT has announced a multi-week closure of the lower-level southbound lanes through downtown starting Feb. 21 as part of a $25.9 million I-35/I-10 repair project. MySanAntonio has reported that the phased work will continue through 2026 and has created detours that change traffic patterns around downtown. Drivers are urged to follow official updates and be ready for altered ramp configurations in the area.
Speed and safety
Speeding remains a major factor in serious wrecks nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says speeding-related crashes account for roughly 29% of traffic fatalities in recent data, and NHTSA notes that higher speeds make vehicles harder to control and increase the severity of injuries when crashes happen.
Local investigators will continue to piece together what happened on the I-35 exit, while drivers navigating the area are reminded to slow down and adjust to the changing traffic patterns around downtown.
