A stolen sports car tearing through a San Antonio freeway Thursday afternoon left behind a path of destruction and heartbreak that claimed four lives and hospitalized more than a dozen people.

A high-speed collision on Interstate 35 involving a stolen Chevrolet Camaro and a Mexico-bound passenger bus from Fort Worth ended in tragedy, killing four and injuring at least 16 others, while the suspects responsible remain unaccounted for, as NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reports.

The deadly crash unfolded shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday in San Antonio, when a white Chevrolet Camaro, believed to be stolen, sped along I-35 and collided with a trailer attached to a Transportes Guerra bus. The impact caused the bus driver to lose control, pushing the large vehicle into oncoming danger. The passenger bus veered into the path of an 18-wheeler, then struck a guardrail and toppled onto its side. Several passengers were violently ejected from the bus during the overturn.

The passenger bus, belonging to the Fort Worth-based company Transportes Guerra, was making its way to Mexico with a diverse group of passengers on board, ranging in age from small children to elderly adults. The aftermath was devastating. Emergency responders transported 18 people to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Tragically, two individuals died at the scene, and two more later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the total number of lives lost to four.

Among the deceased were 79-year-old Maria De Rosario Sanchez, widely remembered as a beloved mother and matriarch, and “Tito” Guerra, the assigned driver of the doomed bus. Gonzalo Aguirre, an elderly U.S. resident traveling to visit loved ones in Coahuila, Mexico, was also confirmed among the victims. Their identities were first verified by relatives and confirmed by NBC 5 and Telemundo 39. A fourth deceased individual has yet to be publicly identified.

Witnesses report chaos, armed suspect near scene

In the chaotic aftermath of the crash, multiple individuals reportedly fled the scene. Initial witness accounts described a group of four people running away, one of whom was allegedly seen with what appeared to be a high-powered rifle. However, San Antonio police later stated that the specific number of those who fled and whether any were armed remains unclear.

Law enforcement offered few additional details as of Friday. San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus initially stated on social media that two people died and 18 were hurt. That toll was later revised to confirm four dead. Investigators have not disclosed when or where the white Camaro was reported stolen and have declined to say whether officers were in pursuit of the vehicle prior to the crash.

Transportes Guerra’s small depot on Hemphill Street remained shuttered Friday in the aftermath of the tragedy. A bouquet of flowers was left at the entrance in mournful tribute to the victims. The company posted on Facebook urging family members of those involved to contact their office for support and information.

Victims' families express grief, confusion

Loved ones of those affected were left to grapple with unanswered questions and agonizing delays in recovering information. Silva Gonzalez Villanueva, who lost family in the crash, described the stress of trying to locate loved ones in area hospitals and contacting the transport company in vain. "I was really stressed searching hospitals and the transport company and no one would say anything," she told reporters.

Sanchez’s family shared a touching written tribute, remembering her as a vibrant and fiercely independent woman who stayed strong despite age and illness. “She would not let us help her, even when she was sick,” they noted. “She will be extremely missed as she was the heart of the family.”

Gonzalo Aguirre was fondly remembered by Villanueva as a hardworking family man. The families of all victims continue to mourn in private as they wait for legal developments and additional answers from authorities.

Police offer few details amid demand for answers

Questions continue to swirl around how the stolen Camaro entered the scene and whether any police actions preceded the crash. San Antonio police have not confirmed whether there was an active pursuit of the suspects leading up to the crash or how the Camaro’s theft was initially reported. Media requests for further information have so far gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, authorities are working on locating the individuals who fled the crash site. As of Friday, no arrests had been made, and no official identification of suspects had been released. Community concern continues to grow as the investigation continues without resolution.

Residents and officials alike are calling for increased transparency from authorities, particularly given the alarming possibility that armed individuals may be at large and responsible for a crash that devastated so many lives in an instant.

Lessons to learn

1. Always exercise caution while sharing the road: Tragedies involving stolen or speeding vehicles are often unpredictable. Practicing defensive driving and staying alert, especially on highways, can help protect yourself and your passengers.

2. Be aware of emergency information gaps: In the chaos following a major accident, families may struggle to get information about loved ones. It’s helpful to keep emergency contacts and medical details up to date and easily accessible when traveling -- especially on long-distance bus routes.

3. Understand that crime can happen to anyone: Even with preparation and vigilance, accidents and criminal acts can strike the most innocent of victims. It’s important never to blame the victims, and instead to focus efforts on improving safety and seeking justice.

Why this story matters

This incident is a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be changed or taken due to reckless and criminal behavior.

The crash has sent shockwaves through communities in both San Antonio and Fort Worth, highlighting the growing urgency for accountability and improved road safety.