San Antonio, TX — A devastating accident in the early morning hours of Tuesday brought traffic to a standstill on Loop 410 after a fiery crash involving an 18-wheeler claimed the life of one man and caused major disruptions throughout the city. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. near Starcrest Drive, prompting a full closure of the eastbound lanes of the busy highway.
According to officials from the San Antonio Fire Department, the massive semi-truck struck a concrete barrier before colliding with multiple road signs. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to overturn and ignite in flames, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene. Firefighters responding to the crash battled intense flames in an effort to gain control of the blaze and prevent further destruction.
Tragically, the driver of the truck was unable to escape the wreckage. Emergency responders reported that the victim was trapped inside the cab when the fire erupted, leaving little chance for survival. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has since identified the deceased as 36-year-old Jose Natividad Olmedo. Authorities have not released additional information regarding his background or what may have led to the crash.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirmed that the crash forced an extended closure of the highway, which remained blocked well into the afternoon as crews worked meticulously to clear the wreckage and conduct initial assessments. Cleanup operations involved not only the removal of the charred vehicle but also repairs to damaged infrastructure, including the concrete barrier and destroyed signage.
Morning commuters faced extensive delays and heavy congestion as traffic was rerouted. Local authorities advised drivers to avoid the area entirely and instead use alternative routes such as Austin Highway, U.S. 281, Harry Wurzbach Road, Perrin Beitel Road, and Walzem Road. Despite the detours, backups were reported on many surrounding streets as thousands of vehicles were diverted from one of the city’s busiest loops.
“This is a heartbreaking and unfortunate tragedy,” a spokesperson for the San Antonio Police Department stated during a press briefing. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Olmedo as we continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this fatal crash.”
The exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, but the incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are reviewing dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, and data from the truck itself to piece together a timeline of events. It is still unclear whether mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or other factors may have played a role in the crash.
Tuesday’s fatal crash serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by large commercial vehicles and the importance of roadway safety. As the investigation continues, officials hope to gain insight that might prevent future tragedies of this nature.
Loop 410 is expected to undergo further repairs and inspections in the coming days to ensure that the stretch of highway is safe for travel. In the meantime, city officials urge motorists to remain patient, drive cautiously, and plan their routes accordingly while recovery efforts are completed.
More updates will be provided as new details emerge from the ongoing investigation.