SXSW Festival: Drunk Driver Injures 23, Kills 2 People
A terrible tragedy took place late last night at SXSW festival. Many who attend the SXSW festival attend in hopes that they will be able to see a few solid films and experience the best acts in music. Last night the festival took a turn for the worse around 12:30 a.m. when a suspected drunk driver crashed through barricades set up for the night, and plowed through a crowd of people.
According to the Austin Police Department, 23 people are in critical condition, and two people are dead from the incident. According to reports the driver was suspected of being drunk and tried to “flee from arrest.” The two that were killed were a man and a woman stationed on a moped.
At the time the crash took place, Mohawk was hosting a House of Vans show featuring hot musical acts such a Tyler the Creator, X, the Black Angels, and more. In the venue next door, Jansport Bonfire Sessions had Kurt Vile, Cloud Nothings and Natural Child.
When initial reports leaked throughout the night it was said that police tried to stop the driver before he pulled away and sped off down a one way street. According to Dallas News the suspect is in custody and will be charged with two counts of capital murder and 23 counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle.
A statement was released by SXSW on the tragic accident via the official festival website:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tragic accident that took place last night here in Austin.
“We appreciate and commend the first responders, as well as the city agencies who so quickly sprung into action.”
“We will be making schedule and venue changes for programming in the surrounding area of last night’s events. All other programming will continue as previously scheduled.”
After the incident took place rapper Tyler The Creator tweeted to his followers:
Show Isnt Happening, Something Sad Happened. I’m Bummed
— Tyler, The Creator (@fucktyler) March 13, 2014
As the events started to unfold pictures emerged from the tragic scene:
PIC: Scene earlier tonight after driver fleeing police killed 2, injured 23 in downtown #Austin. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/08Ud7cSBM0
— Eric Valadez (@erickdavid) March 13, 2014
Just arrived at scene of #sxswcrash. Sidewalks shut down all along Red River. Police with flashlights walking street. pic.twitter.com/70bi2AAZFX
— Tina Shively (@TinaS_KVUE) March 13, 2014
According to officials it hasn’t been confirmed whether or not the driver was drunk. As of right now it’s suspected that he was.
Below is a video of the scene at SXSW:
[Image Via Bing]
