Fatal 17-Car Crash on I-35 in North Austin: What We Know So Far

AUSTIN, TEXAS - At least 5 people have been reported dead and 11 injured after a horrific 17-vehicle car crash on I-35 Thursday night.

Here's what we know so far:

• The crash occurred around 11:20 pm, between Parmer and Howard Lanes on the southbound portion of the interstate in North Austin.
• Everyone who needed help is currently off the scene. Those found in critical condition were removed in roughly 40 minutes.
• The 5 people who died in the accident include three adults, one child, and one infant.
• The 11 other people injured in the crash include four adults with life-threatening/critical injuries, one child with potentially life-threatening injuries, two other children with minor injuries, and four adults with minor injuries.
• The southbound service road near the crash site has been reopened, but TxDOT said that law enforcement expected the main lanes to be closed for several more hours, according to an article published before 1 am this morning.
• Bystander Edgar Viera, who was visiting a nearby store, heard the crash and claims it was caused by an 18-wheeler going 80 mph that neglected to stop for approximately half a mile, hitting other vehicles on the way. The exact speed of the vehicle is unknown at this time. Viera also said that other traffic was completely stopped when the 18-wheeler crashed into another truck, which then allegedly slowed it down.

KXAN shared a brief video of the crash site on Facebook just before 7 am. You can find it below:

Click here for more updates on this terrible accident throughout the day.