Tragedy struck South Austin on Friday as a Union Pacific train collided with a vehicle, resulting in one fatality. The incident occurred at approximately 4:21 p.m. at 1700 Matthews Lane, an area nestled between Dittmar Road and Matthews Lane. CBS Austin reported that the northbound train met with the car at a railroad crossing, whereupon Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire crews arrived at the scene.

Efforts to save the driver included CPR; however, the victim was pronounced dead around 5:04 p.m. Union Pacific confirmed, the details of the crash, specifying that their crew was unharmed in the collision. As investigators work to piece together this harrowing event, Dittmar Road and Matthews Lane have been shut down, urging drivers to find alternate routes while the area remains cordoned off.

Further information from KXAN shared that the Austin Police Department took to social media to inform the public of the resulting road closures and anticipated traffic delays. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances leading up to the crash have not been disclosed as the incident continues to be under investigation.

Local residents and those familiar with the area are aware of the frequency with which trains pass through, but few could have anticipated such a grave outcome. The community's focus has shifted towards understanding the collision's cause, and how future tragedies might be averted. Austin-Travis County EMS officials have spoken about the immediacy with which they responded to the crash, emphasizing the gravity with which they view such incidents. While much remains unknown, what is certain is that a community has been shaken, and a thorough investigation is underway.