CapMetro bus and motorcyclist involved in deadly crash

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department says it is investigating a deadly crash involving a CapMetro bus and a motorcyclist.

The crash happened on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at around 8 a.m. in the 100 block of Koenig Lane near Avenue F.

Further details about the crash were not released by APD. 

In a news release, CapMetro confirmed that one of its buses was involved in an incident with a motorcyclist. Austin-Travis County EMS posted on X confirming one person died on scene and another person was taken to Seton Medical Center with minor injuries.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than a third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.

Sarah Mcgettigan has lived in the neighborhood for a few years. She says the intersection of Koenig and Avenue F is a dangerous one.

"A terrible intersection. It's a light that's not protected for very long. And people try to turn when it's not a protected light. And there's constantly accidents right here," said Mcgettigan.

She says in the morning and evening hours, traffic is non-stop in the area. She added the quick protected turn makes it tough for drivers.

"There's not a bunch of time. It's like a, you know, five, ten second light and the arrow's off and people just try and try and turn, and you can't see on the other side either side," said Mcgettigan.

Mcgettigan hopes the city takes action to prevent this in the future. 

"We've had many accidents, but we haven't had a fatality in a long time. So, I'm hoping the city does something to make this stop happening," said Mcgettigan.

Austin-Travis County EMS says it's responded to 313 crashes involving motorcycles or mopeds this year, with four deaths.

According to TxDOT, nearly 600 people riding motorcycles were killed in crashes in Texas last year, and more than 2,400 riders were seriously injured.

The number of motorcyclists killed in 2023 increased by 7% from the year before, and intersection deadly crashes increased by 21%.

There are things drivers can do to prevent crashes.

• Always keep an eye out for motorcycles on the road.
• Use turn signals and check blind spots.
• Avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

The release says CapMetro is coordinating with APD, Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS.