Hit-and-run driver kills pedestrian in downtown Austin; SXSW issues statement
AUSTIN, Texas - Police are looking for the driver in a hit-and-run crash that left one pedestrian dead and another injured in downtown Austin.
On Tuesday, March 12, just after 1 a.m., police said two pedestrians were walking at the intersection of 7th Street and Red River, when they were hit by a vehicle.
One of the pedestrians was taken to a hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries and the other died at the scene.
"It was pretty chaotic, but people were just mostly in shock," said James Blaine, who said he witnessed the hit-and-run.
The intersection was closed for hours as police investigated, but as of 5 a.m., the road had reopened.
The incident happened during South By Southwest. SXSW released a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an individual in downtown Austin following an auto-pedestrian accident shortly after 1:00 am this morning. Our thoughts are with all affected by this tragic incident."
"People everywhere. Women were freaking out. He hit two dudes, and they just popped straight up in the air. One shoe flew that way. The other shoe flew way down here," said Blaine.
His focus was on the victims, and Blaine said he did not see the car that hit them.
Austin police described the hit-and-run vehicle as a dark gray Mazda sedan. Investigators have video of the vehicle, but did not release any images.
In a social media post, Ben Klemens, another witness, stated the driver "was going full speed" and that he "saw no brake lights." After the intersection reopened, those taking part in the SXSW festival crossed 7th on the way to different venues.
Able Hagen-aga, who came to Austin from Norway, was asked if he thought organizers were doing enough to keep the pedestrians safe.
"I hope so. I don't know, but I guess," said Hagen-aga.
Hagen-aga and his friend Martin Fauskanger said they walked up on the scene earlier in the morning as investigators collected evidence. They noted how quickly authorities responded and how fast the scene was locked down.
"I feel like we were secured with the blocks and a lot of police here," said Fauskanger.
Both went on to say they will keep a closer watch on traffic as they cross Austin’s roads.
In 2014, four people were killed during SXSW. A car drove around a barricade and into a crowd on Red River. Dozens were also hurt. The driver was later convicted on a murder charge and sentenced to life in prison. Lawsuits were also filed against the city and SXSW.
Later in the day, the media were allowed into the SXSW "Event Operations Center" for a pre-scheduled tour. It’s located in south Austin at One Texas Center.
After the tour, Austin police corporal Jose Mendez noted the hit-and-run happened outside the festival barricades. He didn't say if any new adjustments along the outer parameter would happen because of the hit-and-run.
"I can’t speculate on what we could add and what we can take away and things like that. But we do want to remind people to be cautious when you’re driving a lot of obviously a lot of foot traffic, bicyclist, scooters, and things like that. If you’re in the downtown area, we encourage you to follow all traffic control devices and just be patient," said Mendez.