San Antonio, TX — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal collision on Interstate 35, a tragic accident that unfolded late Wednesday night. Manuel Mendoza, 20, was the backseat passenger in a Nissan Altima that collided with an 18-wheeler near a construction zone on the northbound lanes of I-35. The crash, which occurred around 9 p.m., resulted in Mendoza’s death and left three others in critical condition. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Mendoza’s identity after he succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.
The accident happened in the 12100 block of I-35, an area that has been under construction for several months, with reduced lanes and frequent changes to traffic patterns. According to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), the Nissan Altima rear-ended the 18-wheeler, causing severe damage to the car’s rear passenger side. The exact circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation, and the police are working to determine if factors such as speed, driver distraction, or impaired driving played a role.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, whose identity has not been released, stopped immediately after the crash to render aid to the victims. Emergency responders arrived quickly, transporting the driver of the Altima and two other passengers to a nearby hospital. All three remain in critical condition, with medical professionals closely monitoring their health.
The area where the accident occurred is known for heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour, and has been undergoing extensive roadwork. Construction zones are often dangerous for both drivers and workers, with lane closures and reduced speeds creating unexpected hazards. In 2022, the Federal Highway Administration reported that over 37,000 people were injured, and nearly 900 were killed in work zone crashes across the U.S. While this particular accident is still under investigation, it serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with driving through construction zones.
Investigators from the San Antonio Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Division are working to piece together the events leading up to the crash. “We are looking at all potential factors, including road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle performance,” said an SAPD spokesperson. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stresses the importance of drivers slowing down and staying alert, particularly in construction areas, where sudden stops and traffic shifts are common.
Manuel Mendoza was only 20 years old at the time of his death. Friends and family have expressed their shock and grief over the sudden loss of such a young life. One family friend, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mendoza was known for his kind heart and love of sports. “He had his whole life ahead of him,” they shared, “and it’s heartbreaking that something like this could happen so quickly.”
Mendoza’s death is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life on the road. Rear-end collisions, especially involving large vehicles like 18-wheelers, often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the massive weight difference between the vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatalities in large truck crashes are a growing concern, with 4,714 people dying in crashes involving large trucks in 2021 alone. The majority of those fatalities were occupants of passenger vehicles, as was the case for Mendoza.
This latest accident has reignited concerns among San Antonio residents regarding road safety, particularly on heavily trafficked highways like I-35. The interstate is a major corridor for commercial trucks transporting goods between Texas and other states, leading to high volumes of truck traffic at all hours of the day and night. Local authorities have urged drivers to be cautious, especially when traveling through areas with large trucks or construction.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on finding answers and determining if anything could have been done to prevent this tragedy. While Mendoza’s family mourns his loss, the San Antonio community is left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, alongside San Antonio police, will continue their investigation into the factors leading to this devastating crash. For now, those impacted by the loss of Manuel Mendoza wait for answers, hoping that something positive can come from such an immense tragedy.