Austin, September 19, 2025
News Summary
A serious accident between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle occurred early Thursday morning on North Interstate Highway 35, resulting in the driver of the passenger vehicle being pronounced dead at the scene. The collision necessitated the closure of all northbound lanes for several hours while authorities conducted an investigation. Traffic was diverted until the lanes reopened later in the morning.
Austin—A fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle occurred early Thursday morning on North Interstate Highway 35, resulting in the closure of all northbound lanes and significant traffic delays for commuters in the area.
The collision took place around 2:15 a.m. in the 12200 block of North Interstate Highway 35. According to authorities, the passenger vehicle was driving the wrong way on the freeway when it crashed head-on into the semi-truck. First responders pronounced the driver of the passenger vehicle dead at the scene.
The Austin Police Department (APD) received a call regarding the wrong-way driver shortly before the crash, at 2:14 a.m.. All northbound lanes of I-35 were subsequently closed as the accident scene required investigation and cleanup. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirmed the closure of the northbound lanes at 4:39 a.m., and traffic was diverted to the Braker Lane exit, Exit 243, during the lane closures.
By 8 a.m., the semi-truck involved in the accident was cleared from the road, but the northbound lanes remained closed for cleanup efforts. A follow-up announcement from TxDOT at 10:29 a.m. confirmed that the lanes had reopened, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow.
During the closure of all northbound lanes, commuters experienced significant traffic delays, as the accident scene required thorough investigation and cleanup before normal traffic could resume. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Background Information
Accidents on highways can often lead to unforeseen traffic disruptions, affecting thousands of daily commuters. The incident early Thursday morning underscores the dangers posed by wrong-way driving, which can lead to catastrophic collisions. The thorough investigation by the APD aims to understand the circumstances leading up to the tragedy and ensure that necessary safety measures are enforced on Texas roadways.
Key Timeline of Events:
- 2:14 a.m. – APD receives call regarding wrong-way driver.
- 2:15 a.m. – Collision occurs between passenger vehicle and semi-truck.
- 4:39 a.m. – TxDOT announces closure of all northbound lanes.
- 8:00 a.m. – Semi-truck cleared from the roadway.
- 10:29 a.m. – TxDOT confirms reopening of northbound lanes.
FAQ
What time did the crash occur?
The crash involving an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle occurred around 2:15 a.m.
What happened to the driver of the passenger vehicle?
The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
How long were the northbound lanes closed?
All northbound lanes of I-35 were closed until they were reopened at 10:29 a.m.
What caused the crash?
The passenger vehicle was driving the wrong way on the freeway before crashing head-on into the semi-truck.
Key Features of the Crash
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 12200 block of North Interstate Highway 35 |
| Collision Type | Head-on collision between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle |
| Time of Accident | Approximately 2:15 a.m. |
| Driver Fatally Injured | Passenger vehicle driver |
| Closure Announcement | 4:39 a.m. by TxDOT |
| Reopening Time | 10:29 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash in South Austin Claims Life
Serious Injury Collision Closes I-35 Lower Deck in Austin
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Pampa
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KVUE
- Google Search: Interstate 35 Austin crash
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: wrong-way driving
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accidents
- KXAN
- Google News: Austin traffic news
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