San Antonio police identify man killed in three-vehicle crash near I-10 and Camp Bullis Road

Fatal collision unfolded after an initial minor crash on the Northwest Side

San Antonio police have identified the driver killed in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near the Camp Bullis Road exit as Patrick C. McPhaul, 42. The collision occurred late Thursday morning on the city’s Northwest Side near the Camp Bullis Road area and the Rim shopping corridor, triggering an hours-long shutdown and major traffic delays.

Investigators said the incident began as a minor crash involving two vehicles. After that initial collision, McPhaul got out of his vehicle to speak with the other driver. As he returned to his car, a Chevrolet work truck traveling behind the scene struck him, police said. The impact forced McPhaul into a concrete barrier, and he was struck again as the truck continued forward.

Emergency responders transported McPhaul to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:08 a.m. Police reported the crash occurred at about 10:21 a.m.

Traffic impacts and ongoing investigation

The collision led to the closure of a stretch of I-10 for several hours as officers investigated and crews worked to clear the roadway. Drivers were diverted to frontage roads as congestion built across the Northwest Side, particularly in the vicinity of Camp Bullis Road and nearby access points serving retail and residential areas.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details about potential contributing factors—such as speed, driver distraction, or impairment—nor have they announced whether any citations or charges are anticipated. The case remains under investigation.

What officials emphasize after highway-side incidents

While investigators work to determine the precise sequence of events, the circumstances underscore the risks that follow crashes on high-speed roadways, especially when drivers or occupants exit vehicles near active lanes of traffic.

• Even after a low-speed collision, traffic approaching from behind may not have sufficient time or space to react.
• Concrete barriers and narrow shoulders can limit options for drivers trying to avoid a hazard.
• Secondary impacts can occur quickly when vehicles remain in travel lanes.

Authorities have not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation, and additional findings may be released as the case progresses.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-camera footage from the area around the time of the collision may be asked to share information with investigators as they continue reconstructing what happened.