Two Dead In SXSW Crash Incident

Driver sped down packed street

Two people have died and 23 have been reported injured following a serious incident on a packed street at SXSW.

The Austin, Texas event was in full swing last night (March 13th) when a driver was stopped by police at a drink-driving checkpoint.

Speeding away, the driver accelerated down Red River Street, where he hit a number of pedestrians. The car collided with a male and female on a moped, before crashing into a parked van.

The suspect was apprehended by police, and now remains in custody. Tragically, the occupants of the moped were killed during the incident, while some 23 pedestrians have been reported as injured.

Austin's Chief of Police Art Acevedo briefed the media last night, asking witnesses to contact police. "There is only one person responsible for this and that's the person who had no respect for the sanctity of live," he told the press. "From our perspective, he needs to go to jail."

Red River Street is one of the main streets in SXSW, containing venues such Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlies. All music at these venues has been postponed today (March 14th) with affected shows including a performance from Tyler, The Creator.

The owners of Mohawke wrote on Facebook: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and injured from tonight's tragedy. Please check and make sure everyone you know is home safe tonight."

(via NME)

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