San Antonio, Texas — In the early hours of Thursday morning, San Antonio was jolted awake by a deadly deluge that has left four people confirmed dead and at least two more still missing. The flash flooding, triggered by intense rainfall just before dawn, turned streets into rivers and a quiet morning into a nightmare.
The tragedy unfolded near Northeast Loop 410 at Perrin Beitel Road, a well-traveled stretch that became a trap for unsuspecting drivers. By 5 a.m., water had surged past the curb line, engulfing vehicles and dragging them into Beitel Creek’s raging current. By the time the sun rose, the devastation was undeniable — lives had been lost, and families shattered.
Two men and two women have been confirmed among the deceased. Their identities have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Witnesses reported seeing multiple cars — as many as five — swept off the roadway in seconds.
“It happened so fast,” said Michelle Garza, a nearby resident who heard the chaos from her apartment. “Screams, engines revving, then silence. The water just took everything.”
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and Fire Department officials remain at the scene, where search and recovery teams have so far pulled 13 vehicles from the creek. Ten people were rescued in the immediate aftermath, four of whom were hospitalized.
Emergency crews, working in dangerous conditions, are continuing to search the murky waters and thick brush along the creek bed. Teams are using boats, drones, and foot patrols in a race against time, hoping to locate anyone who may have survived the initial surge.
“A Harsh Reminder”
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly floodwaters can become fatal,” said Chief McManus during a somber press briefing. “We urge all residents — do not drive through flooded roads. Turn around. Don’t risk your life.”
The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning earlier in the night, but for some, it came too late. The road at Perrin Beitel is known to flood during heavy rain, and officials said warning signs were in place. Still, drivers continued through.
Ongoing Search, Lingering Fear
Authorities are asking for anyone who may have abandoned a vehicle in the area or is still unaccounted for to call the SAPD Traffic Investigation Division at (210) 207-7385. “Every life matters,” said Fire Chief Charles Hood. “If you’re safe, let us know — it helps us focus on finding those still missing.”
Residents are being asked to avoid low-lying areas as more rain is expected. Flood sirens have been tested, and shelters remain open for those displaced or unable to return home due to washed-out roads.
For many San Antonians, the storm will fade, but the pain will linger — for the families who waited for calls that never came, for the first responders pulling wreckage from the creek, and for a city mourning lives swept away in the dark.
For continued updates, shelter locations, and safety alerts, visit www.sanantonioherald.com/floodwatch.