A tragic 17-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin late Thursday night claimed the lives of at least five people, including a child and an infant. Eleven others were injured.
According to Austin-Travis County officials, the massive pile-up involved a semi-truck that reportedly spilled diesel on the road, potentially triggering the collision.
Authorities responded to the crash at around 11:23 p.m. near the 3100 block of I-35. Upon arrival, first responders described the scene as severe. The Austin Fire Department rescued three passengers trapped inside vehicles.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) provided updates on X, confirming five fatalities at the scene. Among the 11 injured, two suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to local hospitals.
“All patients in critical condition were rescued within 40 minutes,” ATCEMS reported. Emergency crews have since contained the diesel spill.
Eyewitness Recounts Horror of the Crash
Local resident Edgar Viera, who was near the crash site, described the chaotic scene.
“We decided just to run and start helping people. We saw cars smashed together. We saw babies passed away. We saw people passed away,” Viera told KXAN.
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