An early morning collision between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler on Interstate 35 in North Austin has claimed the life of a 44-year-old woman. The incident occurred on December 9 as Sara Jo Gamond, the driver of the pickup, collided with the larger vehicle. Tragically, Gamond was pronounced dead at the scene, according to information provided by the Austin Police Department and reported by KXAN.
The crash, which took place shortly before 6 a.m. between Rundberg Lane and U.S. Highway 183, compelled a response from officers to the northbound lanes of the busy interstate. Traffic faced severe disruptions as northbound lanes near Rutherford Lane were subsequently shut down, effectively forcing commuters to seek alternative routes.
Vehicle Rescue Alarm - pickup vs 18 wheeler. AFD crews remain onscene for extrication of deceased victim that is pinned in the vehicle. https://t.co/fjgRtO0WdH
— Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) December 9, 2023
The Austin Police continue their investigation into the fatal accident, noting it as the 84th of such tragic events in the metropolitan area for the year 2023, with a resultant 85 fatalities. This marks a significant downturn from the previous year, which saw 104 fatal crashes and 108 deaths by the same date, as KXAN disclosed. Meanwhile, as the probe into the full circumstances of the crash goes on, the driver of the trailer truck has stayed behind and is said to be cooperating with the authorities.
Police officials are urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward and draw on community support to assist in unraveling the events that led up to the incident. Informants can reach the APD’s Vehicular Homicide unit directly, or decide to submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, a method detailed by KVUE.
