San Antonio, TX (March 20, 2026) – A 12-year-old boy died after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of N Elmendorf St and Culebra Rd on San Antonio’s West Side.
Emergency units responded to the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, following multiple reports of a collision. Initial information indicates that two vehicles, a sedan and a truck, were reportedly racing before the crash occurred.
Authorities said the sedan was occupied by a 20-year-old man and his 12-year-old nephew. At some point while traveling westbound along Culebra Rd, the driver of the sedan lost control and collided with another vehicle.
The child, later identified as Jonathan Rivera, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials later confirmed his death was caused by blunt force injuries.
The 20-year-old driver of the sedan was taken to a nearby hospital after the crash. His condition has not been publicly released.
Authorities said the other vehicle involved in the crash was driven by a 66-year-old woman. She was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
Reports indicate the driver of the truck involved in the incident left the scene before emergency units arrived.
The police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Street Racing Often Leads to Serious Crashes
Street racing can quickly create dangerous conditions on public roads. When drivers accelerate beyond safe speeds, they often have less time to react to traffic signals, turns, or other vehicles.
High speeds also make vehicles harder to control. Even small steering movements or sudden braking can cause a driver to lose control, especially on busy city streets or near intersections.
Collisions that occur during racing incidents often involve multiple vehicles. When a driver loses control, nearby drivers may not have enough time to avoid the crash.
The force generated during high-speed impacts can result in severe damage to vehicles and serious injuries to those inside. Because of these risks, many communities continue to focus on reducing racing-related crashes on public roads.
