Weather Data Source: forecast for Austin

A Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on U.S. Highway 183 Near Austin

Scene of a multi-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 183 illustrating traffic safety concerns.

Austin, December 29, 2025

A tragic incident occurred on U.S. Highway 183 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport when a wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle crash, resulting in at least one fatality. Emergency crews responded quickly, and the driver has been arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures in Austin as the city experiences a rise in such accidents, prompting community calls for increased awareness and adherence to traffic regulations.

A Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on U.S. Highway 183 Near Austin

A tragic incident involving a wrong-way driver has once again highlighted the importance of traffic safety and adherence to laws in Austin.

Austinites woke up to a tragic event on Sunday morning, December 28, 2025, when a wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 183 close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This incident is a stark reminder of the responsibilities every driver has on the road, and the consequences that arise when safety is compromised. With local traffic incidents on the rise, it reinforces the call for increased awareness and compliance with traffic regulations for a safer community.

The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m., prompting multiple 911 calls alerting authorities to the dangerous situation on the highway. Emergency crews arrived shortly thereafter to find a severe multi-vehicle collision that resulted in at least one fatality. The driver, identified as a woman, was promptly arrested and faces serious charges of intoxicated manslaughter. As details continue to unfold, the Austin Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.

The Impact of Traffic Incidents in Austin

This incident is not isolated; Austin has seen an increasing trend in tragic traffic accidents in recent months. In March 2025, a catastrophic 17-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 claimed five lives, including those of an infant and a child, illustrating just how critical traffic safety remains. Both of these accidents underscore the urgent need for road safety initiatives and potential community discussions about effective measures to mitigate such occurrences in the future.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

In response to the rise in traffic fatalities, local authorities, including the Austin Police Department, are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and to strictly adhere to traffic laws. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover details that may help in understanding the factors contributing to these accidents, including potential regulatory measures that could be enacted or reinforced to enhance road safety.

Support Local Businesses and Community Initiatives

As a growing city, Austin’s development is intertwined with the safety and well-being of its residents. Local businesses play a crucial role in fostering community connections, especially in times of difficulty. Supporting local enterprises can help create a more resilient infrastructure—social connections cultivated through commerce may lead to greater community awareness and engagement on safety issues.

Staying Informed and Getting Involved

Civic engagement can drive change in Austin. Residents are encouraged to remain informed about local traffic conditions and upcoming initiatives that may enhance road safety. Each individual has a part to play in building a culture of responsibility on the road, contributing to a safer environment for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

Conclusion

The tragic crash on U.S. Highway 183 is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance when driving. As the community reflects on this event, it also presents an opportunity to engage in dialogue about road safety and potential improvements for the future. Austinites are urged to support local businesses and initiatives that foster a safer community and champion adherence to traffic laws.

For more information about the incident or to report any details related to this crash, contact the Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the fatal crash on U.S. Highway 183 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?

A wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle crash resulting in at least one fatality. The driver, a woman, was arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter.

When did the crash occur?

The crash occurred on Sunday morning, December 28, 2025.

What charges were filed against the driver?

The driver was charged with intoxicated manslaughter.

Have the identities of the deceased and the driver been released?

As of now, the identities have not been released.

How can I report information related to this incident?

You can contact the Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

Feature Details
Location U.S. Highway 183 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Incident Wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle crash resulting in at least one fatality
Charges Intoxicated manslaughter
Investigation Ongoing by the Austin Police Department
Contact Information Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 or Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477

Now Happening on X

  • @FOX7Austin (December 24, 2025, 7:45 PM) After years of rising violence, Austin police are seeing fewer homicides this year, marking a positive shift in public safety trends. View on X
  • @AustinJustice (December 26, 2025, 5:55 PM) Austin neighborhoods, particularly in North Austin, are facing issues with open-air prostitution, including nightly cruising, drug paraphernalia, and threats to residents. View on X
  • @FrankStrovel (December 28, 2025, 2:23 PM) Sunday updates include a stabbing at 5th and Trinity overnight, two unsolved murders by APD in 2025, and a wind advisory for tonight in Austin. View on X
  • @ATXAggregator (December 28, 2025, 2:26 PM) Daily roundup notes no large street takeover in Austin, an overnight stabbing, unsolved murders, wind advisory, and local sports updates. View on X
  • @TexanReport (December 26, 2025, 8:00 PM) APD is seeking public help to identify a suspect in an aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon in Austin. View on X
  • @ATXAggregator (December 27, 2025, 1:33 PM) Saturday news covers impacts of ICE deportations on Texas workforce sectors like construction and agriculture, plus two pedestrian deaths in Austin on Christmas Eve. View on X
  • @AustinChronicle (December 23, 2025, 4:09 PM) This week’s headlines include $5 million cuts to social services in Austin and the release of Paxton divorce files. View on X

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Serious Collision at E Riverside Drive and Grove Boulevard
Tragic Wrong-Way Crash in North Austin
Fatal 18-Wheeler Crash Closes North Interstate Highway 35

STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!