News Summary
A serious multi-vehicle accident on I-35 near Georgetown, Texas, involved a semi-truck and eight vehicles, resulting in three injuries and significant traffic delays. The crash occurred early Wednesday morning and closed southbound lanes for hours. Two of the injured had serious injuries, prompting ongoing investigations into the cause, including concerns over driver distractions and safety on this major highway.
Georgetown, Texas – A serious multi-vehicle crash on I-35 near the 257-mile marker involving a semi-truck and eight vehicles has left three individuals injured and caused major traffic disruptions. The incident occurred early on Wednesday, shortly before 7 a.m., prompting authorities to close the southbound lanes of I-35 for several hours, with full clearance not achieved until just before 2 p.m.
Video footage from the scene reveals multiple vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, that veered off the roadway following the collisions. In total, eight vehicles sustained damage in the southbound lane, while an additional vehicle in the northbound lane was impacted by debris, specifically a tire that detached during the crash sequence. Emergency responders transported three individuals to the hospital, two of whom suffered serious injuries as a result of the incident.
According to Police Chief Cory Tchida, the crash likely originated from a two-vehicle incident that escalated when the 18-wheeler attempted to maneuver around the initially damaged vehicles. The truck driver was unable to stop in time, leading to a sequential collision involving multiple vehicles. Given the chaotic nature of the crash, it became difficult for investigators to establish the precise order of events, as some drivers reported being struck by other vehicles after the initial impact.
Witnesses have recounted their experiences of the crash, highlighting the suddenness of the events. One individual, who was en route to work, described feeling pain in their knee and neck after being struck. This witness noted that they observed the initial collision occur before becoming involved in the resulting chain of crashes. Another anonymous driver characterized the scene by mentioning the loss of control exhibited by the 18-wheeler during the unfolding events.
The timing of this incident raises ongoing safety concerns, as it follows two fatal crashes on I-35 within the past month. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there have been seven fatal crashes reported in Williamson County and 14 in Travis County in the year 2023 alone. These statistics underline the pressing need for enhanced safety measures on this critical highway.
In light of the recent accidents, Chief Tchida has emphasized the importance of reducing distractions while driving to prevent further incidents. This focus on driver awareness is viewed as a crucial step in addressing the safety challenges faced on I-35, where high traffic volume and complex driving conditions can contribute to dangerous situations.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this latest crash, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the full narrative of the events that transpired. As the investigations unfold, community members and drivers alike are urged to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with road travel, particularly on busy thoroughfares such as I-35.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Crash Involving Semi-Truck Causes Road Closures in Georgetown
- Google Search: Georgetown Texas I-35 crash
- KVUE: Crash on Southbound 35 in Georgetown
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- FOX 7 Austin: Georgetown I-35 Crash Involving Semi
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Texas traffic accidents
- KXAN: Georgetown Police Respond to 18-Wheeler Crash on I-35
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown, Texas
- FOX 7 Austin: Traffic Alert Georgetown, Texas 18-Wheeler Hits Bridge
- Google News: Georgetown Texas I-35 crash