x
Breaking News
More () »

Man, 14-year-old girl killed in hit and run accident on the west side

Police said another driver, who may have been speeding, hit the van, which burst into flames.

SAN ANTONIO — A 31-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl were killed in a hit and run crash on the west side around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday morning. 

Police say a van was pulling out of a driveway just after midnight near Poplar and 24th Street. Another driver in a white Chevy Silverado, who police say was speeding at a rate of 100-120 mph, hit the vehicle and it caught fire.

Linda Garcia said she saw the white truck tear through their neighborhood. "He was just practically drag racing," Garcia said.

At that rate of speed, Garcia said she knew an accident was imminent.

"He hit the car and it just exploded," she said. "Like there was nothing anyone could do."

Two people died at the time of the crash and at least two were sent to the hospital, including a one-year-old and a five-year-old. Police say the children suffered second degree burns to their upper body.

Family members were also burned trying to rescue their loved ones from fiery vehicle. Garcia's daughter, Linda A. Garcia, said neighbors helped too. She was one of them trying to help the 14-year-old accident victim.

"I guess her hair had burned and I thought it was a guy. And I was trying to reach for her," Linda said. "She just looked up at me and like, 'just get me out,' and she just dropped her head slowly."

Police say the driver of the truck that hit them kept going and eventually hit a utility pole. The suspect kept driving, broke down, and fled on foot with another man. 

Ray Garcia said he and his son chased after two people but couldn't keep up.

"It was two males," Ray said. "And they left their vehicle behind."

Investigators searched for the men from a police helicopter but did not find them. SAPD located the owner of the truck but did not find anyone to arrest. They are still looking for the men. 

If you know anything about this crime, you are urged to call the Traffic Investigations Unit at 210-207-7635.

RELATED: Firefighters battle house fire north of downtown

RELATED: Man and woman shot at a home on the east side

Before You Leave, Check This Out