Two San Antonians killed in wreck that shut down I-10

Two San Antonio residents were killed when a commercial vehicle crossed the median while traveling westbound on Interstate 10 near Exit 632 in Caldwell County and collided with an eastbound pickup truck and an SUV on Friday, Nov. 8.

The accident, which happened near the Luling Buc-ee’s superstore, shut down I-10 in both directions for several miles for hours and forced the Texas Department of Public Safety and first responders from Caldwell and Gonzales counties to reroute traffic on alternate routes until the highway could be cleared.

According to a summary provided by DPS Sgt. Billy Ray III, the accident took place at 12:23 p.m. The commercial vehicle lost pressure in a tire, causing it to swerve to the left across the protected center median and into the eastbound lanes of I-10.

The pickup truck and SUV were traveling eastbound on IH-10 and struck the commercial vehicle. The driver and passenger of the SUV, Akbarali Maredia and Naushadali Maredia, both of San Antonio, were both pronounced deceased.

Both Akbarali Maredia and Naushadali Maredia were partners in several companies, including Watson Road Partners LLC and Pleasanton Business LLC, which appear to own convenience store properties in the San Antonio area, including near the site of the old San Antonio Speedway.

The condition of the pickup driver and the driver of the commercial vehicle were not immediately available.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Ray said Texas DPS would like to remind drivers to check their vehicle tires routinely. To maintain tires, drivers can check tire pressure, inspect tread depth, and check tires for damages, such as bulges, cracks, or uneven wear. Drivers should also rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles or as the vehicle manufacturer recommends.