Car Plows Through Crowd at SXSW Killing 2, Injuring 23

A suspected drunk driver plowed through a crowd at SXSW killing 2 and injuring another 23 individuals, 5 critically, while trying to escape police.

According to Austin Police, a patrol unit attempted to pull over the vehicle at around 12:30 am. The suspect pretended to pull over into a gas station and then took off going the wrong way down a one way street. He then turned onto a closed street nearly hitting the police officer at the barricade. At a high rate of speed the suspect accelerated down Red River St striking multiple pedestrians.

A male and female on a moped were fatality struck at Red River & 11th St. The driver eventually crashed into a parked van on the north west corner of the intersection and exited the vehicle, fleeing on foot. He was pursued by an officer who tased him to bring him into custody.


The suspect will be charged with two accounts of capital murder. He will also be charged with 23 accounts of aggravated assault with a vehicle.

The Austin Police Dept has asked anyone with videos or photos of the incident to come forward.

If you witnessed, have video/photos of the incident @ Red River call (512) 974-5186. Do not tie this line up for any other reason. #SXSW

SXSW has issued a statement on the incident saying:


Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tragic accident that took place last night here in Austin. We appreciate and commend the first responders, as well as the city agencies who so quickly sprung into action.

We will be making schedule and venue changes for programming in the surrounding area of last night’s events. All other programming will continue as previously scheduled. Please watch this website and twitter.com/sxsw for updates throughout the day.

More details in the videos below...

[CNN] [Mashable]



[via @colinkerrigan]




[via Socrates Villarreal]