Two dead, one seriously injured in South Austin crash

AUSTIN, Texas - A major crash in South Austin has left two people dead and one person with serious, life-threatening injuries. 

Around 10:00 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, ATCEMS and Star Flight responded to a vehicle rescue at the 5000 block of East SH 71 WB in South Austin. 

The Department of Public Safety has identified the victims who died as 49-year-old Jose Velazquez and 45-year-old Joanne Menchaca. Both were from Austin.

Another man was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Officials have identified him as 20-year-old Joseph Diaz of San Marcos.

DPS says that the vehicle that Diaz was driving was traveling westbound on Highway 71 near Richards Drive and the vehicle that Velazquez was driving was at a stop sign at the crossover.

Officials say Velazquez failed to yield and attempted to cross 71 into a salvage yard and Diaz struck Velazquez's car on the rear passenger side.

Menchaca was a passenger in Velazquez's car.

Both Velazquez and Menchaca were pronounced dead at the scene.