A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 near Slaughter Lane severely disrupted traffic Tuesday afternoon. KXAN reports a "major accident" occurred involving four vehicles, including an 18-wheeler that rolled over. The accident, which transpired just north of Slaughter Lane, led to two injuries according to the Austin Fire Department.
Major traffic accident 8700 S. I-35. Multiple vehicles with 18 wheeler rollover. Vehicles on both sides of interstate with one on fire. @ATCEMS @austinmobility @TxDOTAustin @Austin_Police
— Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) July 23, 2024
With one involved vehicle on fire at one point, emergency crews arrived at a chaotic scene. The Austin-Travis County EMS informed that one patient was transported to St. David’s South Austin with non-life-threatening injuries, while another was treated on the scene but refused further transportation. The area affected is near local landmarks including an H-E-B and Home Depot, which was wrapped by the aftermath of the collision and the efforts of the first responders to secure the site.
After the incident, KVUE provided an update citing the Austin Fire Department's account of four vehicles being involved in total and confirming the fire had been extinguished. Motorists were warned to anticipate significant delays around the 8700 block of South I-35 as the cleanup and investigation into the accident's cause proceeded.
As the traffic continued to congest, drivers encountered a slowed commute that extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the crash site. No further details on the accident have been released yet. Local authorities were urging drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible, stressing continued delays while the scene was being managed.
