According to USA Today, a suspected drunken driver in pursuit by police sped the wrong way down a one-way street and crashed through police barriers at the South by Southwest festival (SXSW) on March 13, killing two people and injuring 23 other pedestrians attending the event. SXSW draws tens of thousands of people from all over the world for its program of films, music and interactive technology.
“You saw things flying over the side of the car…and what appeared to be two or three people [on] the hood,” one witness said. “It was like a lawnmower running through a barrel of hay.”
The tragedy occurred outside of Mohawk, a popular bar and live music venue, in downtown Austin. Police say the tragedy began when officers tried to pull over the driver at a gas station around 12:30 a.m. The driver fled the wrong way down a one-way street and turned onto a street that had been closed after a concert. The Toyota sedan he was driving hit over 20 pedestrians, a couple on a moped, a taxi and a van at a “high rate of speed.”
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo called the rampage an “intentional act”, and said the 21-year-old driver faces two counts of capital murder, among other charges. Acevedo also asked that anyone who witnessed the accident and has video footage not put the footage online, but talk to police first.
What Should I Do If a Reckless or Drunken Driver Caused My Accident?
This SXSW tragedy is evidence of how one driver’s negligent and reckless actions can change someone’s life forever. We send our condolences to anyone affected by this horrific accident, and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a drunk or reckless driver, schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Aaron Allison today by calling (512) 474-8346<.
The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/13/sxsw-austin-nightclub-accident/6360729/
