AUSTIN, TX – In a tragic overnight collision on Interstate 35 in North Austin, five individuals, including an infant and a child, lost their lives, and eleven others sustained injuries, as reported by the Austin Police Department. The crash, which occurred late Thursday night, involved a semi-truck and 17 vehicles, creating a scene of chaos that stretched over a tenth of a mile.
Emergency services, including Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department, responded swiftly. Captain Krista Steedman of the EMS reported that upon arrival, they found several people trapped in their vehicles. Despite the challenging circumstances, all critical patients were transported to local hospitals within 40 minutes.
The injured included four adults with life-threatening injuries and three children, one of whom is also in critical condition. The remaining four adults and two children suffered minor injuries. The victims were distributed between Round Rock Medical Center, Dell Seton Medical Center, and Dell Children’s Medical Center for treatment.
Officer Austin Zarling from the Austin Police Department noted the severity of the crash necessitated a large-scale response, including assistance from surrounding agencies such as the Round Rock Police Department and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The collision prompted the closure of both the I-35 service road and the main lanes, which are expected to remain shut for an extended period as the investigation continues.
Assistant Chief Bayer Smith of the Austin Fire Department highlighted the rarity of such incidents, noting that the response was upgraded to a second alarm vehicle rescue due to the incident’s complexity. Firefighters worked diligently to extricate three individuals pinned in their vehicles, with significant support from bystanders who assisted in initial rescue efforts.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting that a diesel fuel spill from the semi-truck was contained but will require further cleanup. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing smoke and potential flames, which were quickly extinguished by a bystander before emergency services arrived.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. The Austin Police Department’s vehicular homicide unit is spearheading the investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances leading to this devastating event.
The tragic accident has left the city in mourning, with local authorities expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all emergency responders and the community members who aided in the rescue operations.