Body Discovered in Burning Vehicle on San Antonio’s South Side

A man was found dead after a vehicle fire in a South Side neighborhood, according to a report from KSAT News.¹

The San Antonio Fire Department reported the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, near the intersection of Moursund Boulevard and East Gillette Boulevard.

According to a preliminary report from the San Antonio Police Department, a neighbor heard a loud noise and then discovered a vehicle engulfed in flames. The neighbor attempted to rescue the 61-year-old man trapped inside but was unable to free him. Fire crews later extinguished the flames and recovered the man’s body from the vehicle.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the victim has not been publicly identified. The investigation remains ongoing.

---

Did You Know?

In 2024, 540 crashes across Texas were linked to fires that started inside a vehicle, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²

---

Why Vehicles Catch Fire—and Why These Incidents Are So Dangerous

Vehicle fires are relatively rare, but when they occur, they are often deadly. Fires can spread rapidly, filling the passenger compartment with thick smoke and extreme heat in a matter of seconds. In many cases, occupants have little or no time to escape.

Understanding how and why vehicle fires start can help drivers recognize warning signs—and determine when legal action may be appropriate.

Common Causes of Vehicle Fires

Vehicle fires can result from mechanical failure, electrical issues, or crashes. Some occur while a vehicle is parked, while others happen during normal driving or after a collision.

Common causes include:

• Fuel system leaks that allow gasoline or diesel to ignite

• Electrical failures, such as faulty wiring or short circuits

• Engine overheating caused by cooling system failure

• Defective vehicle parts, including batteries or fuel lines

• Poor maintenance, such as oil leaks or deteriorated hoses

In some cases, fires ignite immediately after a crash. In others, they begin without warning.

Warning Signs of a Possible Vehicle Fire

Drivers may notice warning signs before a fire starts. These signs should never be ignored.

Potential warning signs include:

• Smoke coming from under the hood or inside the vehicle

• Strong odors of fuel, burning rubber, or melting plastic

• Flickering lights or sudden electrical malfunctions

• A rapidly rising engine temperature

• Visible flames or sparks near the engine or dashboard

If any of these signs appear, pulling over safely and exiting the vehicle immediately can be lifesaving.

Why Vehicle Fires Often Turn Fatal

Vehicle fires burn extremely hot and spread quickly due to fuel, electrical components, and flammable interior materials. Smoke inhalation alone can incapacitate occupants in seconds.

Fire-related injuries and fatalities may involve:

• Severe burns

• Smoke inhalation or toxic gas exposure

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Fatal injuries caused by heat or entrapment

In some cases, doors, seat belts, or electrical systems may fail or jam—making escape even more difficult.

When Compensation May Be Available After a Vehicle Fire

Not all vehicle fires are unavoidable accidents. In some situations, another party’s negligence may have caused or contributed to the fire.

Compensation may be available when a fire is linked to:

• A defective vehicle or auto part

• Improper repairs or negligent maintenance

• A collision caused by another driver

• Unsafe roadway or construction conditions

When a fatality occurs, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas law.

What to Do After a Vehicle Fire

If you or a loved one is involved in a vehicle fire, taking action early can help protect your legal rights.

Important steps may include:

• Seeking medical care immediately

• Reporting the incident to law enforcement and fire officials

• Preserving the vehicle if possible

• Photographing injuries, damage, and the scene

• Avoiding discussions with insurance companies before seeking legal advice

Vehicle fire investigations often require expert analysis and detailed evidence, making early legal guidance especially important.

Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Vehicle Fire? Call Shaw.

If you or your family were affected by a vehicle fire, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses or funeral costs

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Lost income or financial support

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to learn more about your legal options. No fees. No obligations. Just trusted guidance from an experienced Texas injury law firm that puts its clients first.

We look forward to serving you.

---

¹KSAT Report

²TxDOT Crash Data