SAN ANTONIO — A man was killed Wednesday morning when a car that might have been involved in a road rage incident struck a Pre-K 4 SA school bus, setting off a chain reaction involving a total of eight vehicles, officials say.
No children were on the school bus at the time of the crash, which happened just after 8 a.m. on Highway 90 at Interstate 35.
San Antonio Police and Bexar County sheriff's deputies responded to the incident.
Witnesses in the area sent KENS 5 photos of a black SUV with extensive damage, as well as the school bus that was at a standstill in the middle of the highway as traffic was diverted to a feeder road next to the highway.
School bus accident near downtown; no children onboard, officials say
It was initially reported that someone had died at the scene. As more first responders arrived, however, officials updated that information to say a driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC).
It was then updated on Thursday that the man died from his injuries. He has been identified as Richard Mumford, 43.
In initial reports, witnesses told officers at least two cars, including the dark-colored SUV, "appeared to be engaged in a road rage incident in the moments leading up to the accident."
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office on Thursday confirmed that Mumford was speeding, weaving in and out of traffic in attempts to avoid the bus, hitting three cars in the process, before eventually hitting the bus. According to BCSO, the bus lost control as a result of the crash, and collided into a vehicle that was travelling next to the bus.
Three people were hospitalized for their injuries, including Mumford.
Richard A. Mumford III was remembered by his family Thursday. He was a biomed technician and the oldest of three brothers.
"If anybody was to know him or to meet him," said his father, Richard Mumford Jr. "They will want him as a friend because he’s going to be there for you."
His mother explained their son's world revolved around his friends and family.
"He had a smile that lights up the room," said Vanester Mumford, his mother. "When he comes in, he’s going to acknowledge you. He never goes into a room without acknowledging everybody. That wasn’t him.”
Only a driver was aboard the Pre-K 4 SA bus. Rachel Trevino, a spokesperson for the early childhood program, said it was en route to picking up a class for a planned field trip.
"The safety and security of our children and staff is our utmost priority," Trevino said.
A total of eight vehicles appeared to have been involved in the accident, officials said. It's unknown as of now if anyone will face charges.
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