UPDATE: A tragic crash on State Highway 211 near Potranco Road in Bexar County has left one person dead and three others hospitalized, prompting urgent concerns from local residents about the safety of their rapidly growing community. The incident occurred on October 25, 2023, as officials from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the severity of the situation.
Local residents are sounding alarms that the surge in new construction in the area is contributing to an alarming spike in traffic accidents. “They’re continuing to build, and the roads and the infrastructure, everything is under construction at the same time,” stated Carol Penaloza, a nearby resident. She, along with fellow resident Keith Eagle, voiced their frustrations over the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the influx of new housing developments.
Witnesses report that the volume of traffic has surged, causing dangerous conditions. “There’s just so much traffic flowing through here and they keep on trying to build new things,” remarked Eagle. The rapid construction is seen as a primary factor in the area’s increasing crash rates.
Local resident Edward Fuentes highlighted another concern, stating, “The speed is a little bit too high.” He noted that drivers frequently exceed safe speeds, making the roads even more hazardous. “Normally, when I’m coming in, I’m coming around 60 miles an hour. I usually have to drop down to like 40 just to allow (other drivers) to speed up in a good time,” Fuentes explained.
Residents are now calling for immediate action to address these safety concerns. Penaloza suggests that a halt to new construction could be the solution: “They’ve got to slow down on the building and do the roads maybe first, or do a section at a time and get it done with.”
Eagle added, “It feels like they’ve just forgot to think about the roadways out here while they’re building everything up.” Their pleas reflect a growing sentiment among community members who feel that their safety is being compromised by unchecked development.
The urgent need for a comprehensive traffic solution has never been clearer. As Bexar County continues to grow, residents are advocating for measures to improve road safety and infrastructure before another tragedy occurs.
Authorities are now under pressure to address these concerns swiftly. The community is watching closely to see if officials will respond to the growing calls for change. The implications of this crash extend beyond immediate safety; they highlight the critical need for balanced development that prioritizes both growth and the well-being of residents.
As investigations continue into the crash, residents are reminded to drive cautiously and remain vigilant on the roads. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as Bexar County officials assess the ongoing developments.
