An early morning crash between an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck killed two women and critically injured five others.
The collision happened at about 1:30 a.m. in the 8200 block of I-35, near Rutherford Lane. Austin-Travis County EMS reports the pickup truck was stopped on the highway for some unknown reason when the 18-wheeler hit it from behind at highway speed. The speed limit in that area is 70 miles per hour.
The people killed in the crash were Telesfora Moran Fuentes, 46, and Yesenia Nayeli Resendiz, 23. Both were from Oklahoma City.
EMS took three other children to Dell Children’s Medical Center with critical injuries. Another adult in critical condition went to University Medical Center Brackenridge. The woman driving the big rig was also hurt, but is expected to recover.
All northbound traffic is being diverted off of the interstate at US 183. APD says the lanes may be closed through rush hour traffic. Drivers are encouraged to use MoPac or SH 130 as an alternative.
One driver went around the barricades blocking the crash scene. After a short pursuit, officers were able to stop that car.
Update: I-35 is now open. Drive safely and cautiously.
