Donald Ralph Corey, 79, and One Person Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Southwest Loop 410 in San Antonio, Texas
2 killed after fiery wrong-way crash on Loop 410, San Antonio police say
Around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 13000 block of Southwest Loop 410 eastbound after a report of a wrong-way driver.
Two people killed in fiery wrong-way crash on Southwest Loop 410, police say
The Bexar County Medical Examiner has identified one of the victims as 76-year-old Donald Ralph Corey. They have not yet released the identity of the second person.
Two drivers were killed early Sunday morning in a fiery wrong-way collision on Southwest Loop 410 in San Antonio, according to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the 13000 block of Southwest Loop 410 eastbound, after officers were initially dispatched to investigate a report of a wrong-way driver in the area. While responding to that call, a second report came in describing a crash involving the same vehicle. When officers arrived at the scene, they found two vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. One victim was later identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office as Donald Ralph Corey, 79, who died of blunt force injuries; his death was ruled accidental. The second driver killed was a 35-year-old man whose identity has not yet been released. SAPD has not released additional details regarding the cause of the wrong-way entry, vehicle makes and models, or contributing factors, and the investigation remains active.
Location and Infrastructure
Southwest Loop 410 is a major freeway forming part of San Antonio's outer loop system, connecting the city's southwest side to surrounding suburban and commercial corridors. The 13000 block sits in a stretch of the highway serving residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and connecting roadways on the city's southwest periphery, an area that sees significant commuter and overnight commercial traffic. Like many segments of Loop 410, this portion includes multi-lane eastbound and westbound traffic separated by a median, with limited-access entrance and exit ramps. Wrong-way crashes on loop highways are frequently linked to drivers entering via an exit ramp rather than an on-ramp, particularly during low-visibility overnight hours. Early-morning hours, such as the 5:30 a.m. timeframe of this collision, are statistically associated with higher rates of wrong-way driving incidents on Texas freeways.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Texas law, the families of those killed in this collision may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against any liable party, including a negligent driver's estate or applicable insurance coverage. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning fault may be apportioned between involved parties, which can affect any potential recovery. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, though exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. Potential damages in such cases may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering, where applicable. Insurance considerations may involve liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and policy limits review. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney familiar with the specific facts of the case.
Related Resources
- San Antonio Police Department – Non-emergency line: (210) 207-7273; Emergency: 911
- Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office – (210) 335-2200
- San Antonio Fire Department – (210) 207-8401
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Wrong-Way Driving Safety Information: https://www.txdot.gov
- Texas Department of Public Safety – Crash Reports and Traffic Law: https://www.dps.texas.gov
- Texas Statutes – Transportation Code (Traffic Laws): https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.1.htm
- Texas Health and Human Services – Grief and Crisis Support Resources: https://www.hhs.texas.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Wrong-Way Driving Prevention: https://www.nhtsa.gov
This content is based on confirmed details reported by local news coverage and official statements from the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office as of the time of publication. Additional details may emerge as the investigation continues.