Charred remains are all that’s left of a vehicle that was driven by a Harlingen woman killed in an accident that occurred in San Benito on Saturday. The car is seen Monday at the San Benito Police Department. (Staff photo by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
A Harlingen woman was involved in a fatal one-car accident at a San Benito intersection which has claimed several other lives in years past.
Investigators believe that a 29-year-old mother, identified as Francesca Rodriguez, was killed on impact after driving her white 2012 Nissan off the road, at an intersection of Sherer and U.S. 77 Frontage in San Benito, at approximately 3:24 a.m. Saturday, November 24.
San Benito police and fire departments responded in reference to a vehicle on fire, which had reportedly been traveling eastbound on S. Frontage Road. Upon reaching the intersection with Sherer Road, formerly FM 732, it is believed by investigators that the driver of the vehicle ran a red light.
According to a police report, the Nissan traveled through a grassy area where it went airborne before landing on the east side embankment of the canal, which runs parallel to Sherer Rd. The vehicle burst into flames.
Internal Affairs Detective Rogelio Banda said that investigators believe Rodriguez died as a result of a massive head trauma. Though the victim’s body was reportedly severely burned, “she was positively identified through a tattoo that was visible,” said Banda. Investigators report that Rodriguez suffered burns on nearly every part of her body.
“Investigators are still piecing everything together, as far as what may have caused her to drive her vehicle off the road and went straight at an intersection and continued off the road.” Banda said “According to the pathologist performing the autopsy, it appears that she died on impact,” though official reports have not been released at this time. Results from a toxicology screening are pending.
This is one of at least five fatal incidents reported at this intersection in the past 10 years, said Banda. “Texas Department of Transportation has made some improvements, and they have added more lights.” He continued by saying, “Obviously, there is still a problem.”
At this time, investigators believe the fire may have started because the gas tank began to leak, though no actual cause has been identified.
Rodriguez’s child is currently residing with family members.
Read this story in the Nov. 28 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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