In a late-night catastrophe that gripped the stretch of I-35 in North Austin, a multi-vehicle collision claimed the lives of five individuals, including an infant and a child. According to CBS Austin, the horrific incident unfolded shortly before midnight, involving an aggregate of 17 vehicles, and resulting in the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.

The crash was initially reported to be happening at around 11:38 p.m. Thursday, March 13. In attempt to manage a chaotic situation, emergency crews promptly responded to the scene. "This incident was incredibly chaotic and it was spread out over about a tenth of a mile. So without the collaboration of our partners, we would not have been able to manage the scene as well as we did. We were able to get all the predications off the scene within about 40 minutes. Considering how complex the scene was, that's pretty impressive," told Captain Christa Stedman from ATCEMS to CBS Austin.

The wreckage was extensive, causing shutdowns of all southbound lanes until 1 p.m. the following afternoon, as noted by MSN. Beyond the fatalities, eleven others were transported to local hospitals, with two individuals among them sustaining life-threatening injuries and taken to St. David's Round Rock. Witnesses and authorities described a scene where vehicles lay scattered across an area spanning more than a tenth of a mile.

While the crash itself resulted in a fuel tank rupture on an 18-wheeler, officials reported that there was no subsequent fire from the large vehicle. A separate car did catch on fire, but a quick-thinking bystander extinguished the flames before Austin Fire Department arrived on the scene. The collective efforts by first responders and citizens at the jarring scene, helped to prevent further calamity. Residents touched by the devastation have been directed to contact APD Victim Services for support at 512-974-5037 or through email at [email protected], as services counselors are available to assist, as stated by CBS Austin.

This disaster has left a significant impact on the Austin community, as they mourn the loss and navigate the aftermath of such a significant incident on I-35. The combination of an ongoing investigation by Austin Police Department and the shared trauma of a community in the wake of this tragedy, underscores the fragility of life upon those roads we so often traverse without incident.