San Antonio, TX (February 1, 2026) -A fatal wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles occurred on the northeast side of San Antonio along I-35 Northbound. The San Antonio Police Department responded to the 4400 block of the interstate around 4:15 AM following reports of a major collision. Authorities stated that a man driving southbound in the northbound lanes collided head-on with a vehicle driven by a 62-year-old man. The wrong-way driver’s car went airborne after the impact and struck an 18-wheeler. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 62-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The truck driver was not injured. SAPD continues to investigate.
Key Details
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Where: 4400 block of I-35 Northbound
- Type: Wrong-Way Head-On Crash
- Reported: January 31, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
- Injuries: One fatality, one injured
- Responding Agency: San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved a wrong-way driver traveling southbound on I-35 NB
- A head-on collision occurred with a vehicle driven by a 62-year-old man
- The wrong-way driver’s car went airborne and struck an 18-wheeler
- The wrong-way driver died at the scene; the other driver was hospitalized
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The reason why the wrong-way driver entered the northbound lanes
- The exact speed or condition of the vehicles prior to impact
- The identities of the individuals involved
- Whether any contributing factors such as impairment are suspected
Local Context
I-35 is a major interstate corridor through San Antonio, with high-volume traffic across multiple lanes in each direction. Wrong-way crashes on highways like this are especially dangerous due to the speeds involved and limited time for reaction. The area near the 4400 block sees consistent early-morning commuter activity, which can increase risk during low-visibility hours. In situations like this, police secure the area quickly to provide medical aid and conduct a thorough investigation. Further details are likely to be released once SAPD completes their review of the incident.
What to Do Next
- If you witnessed the crash, consider staying to provide a statement if it is safe to do so.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Write down the time, location, and what you observed while the details are still fresh.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes often happen at high speeds, leaving drivers with little time to react. Wrong-way incidents are especially severe due to head-on impact forces.
Q: Who decides whether citations are issued after a crash?
A: Law enforcement officers on the scene evaluate statements, evidence, and vehicle positions to determine if citations are appropriate based on the facts.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means authorities are still gathering and analyzing information to determine the cause, sequence of events, and whether further action is needed.
