Photo: Press
Tragedy has struck South By South West after a car drove straight into a crowd at the festival in Austin Texas last night (Wednesday 13 March, 2014).
Police report that two of the crowd are dead and more than 15 have been injured - with five of those in a 'critical' condition.
Just after 12.40am (CT), SPIN reported that a car had hit the crowd at the intersections of Red River Street and East 10th Street - near the famous and popular Mohawk music venue. This area had been closed off to all vehicular traffic, to allow for footfall of the tens of thousands of music fans from around the world flocking to SXSW.
It is assumed that those injured were attendees of the festival.
Austin Police then took to Twitter to post:
23 individuals have been transported. Of those 5 are in critical condition, 2 deceased. #SXSW
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
Individual is in custody. More details shortly. The names of the deceased will not be released until proper notifications have been made.
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
If you witnessed, have video/photos of the incident @ Red River call (512) 974-5186. Do not tie this line up for any other reason. #SXSW
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
"We owe it to the victims and their families to gather the evidence we need to bring them justice." Chief Art Axecedo http://t.co/c5lnJDTi5o
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
Police report that they now have the driver of the car in custody but ask for witnesses to contact Austin Police department on (512) 974-5186.
