News Summary
Traffic was significantly impacted near Southeast Inner Loop in Georgetown, Texas, following two separate 18-wheeler crashes on Interstate 35. The first incident involved a box truck rolling over and colliding with a UPS truck, resulting in injuries to both drivers. Hours later, another crash involving a semi-truck and multiple vehicles occurred, leading to further lane closures and injuries. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as traffic came to a standstill. The incidents underscore ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly under challenging weather conditions.
Georgetown, Texas – Major Delays Following Two 18-Wheeler Crashes on I-35
A significant traffic incident occurred on Wednesday morning as two crashes involving 18-wheelers led to major delays on Interstate 35 near Southeast Inner Loop in Georgetown, Texas. The Georgetown police reported that the first crash took place around 2:40 a.m. when a box truck went off the roadway, subsequently overcorrecting and hitting the center median before landing on its side.
A UPS truck with two trailers then collided with the box truck in the middle lane. Both truck drivers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident resulted in all southbound lanes being blocked for several hours, causing extensive delays for motorists.
Traffic was diverted to the frontage road at Exit 259 during the blockage, exacerbating the situation. By 6:22 a.m., the roadway was cleared, and all lanes were reopened.
Later that same day, before 7 a.m., police responded to another serious incident on I-35 involving a semi-truck and eight other vehicles near the 257-mile marker. This second crash forced the continued closure of the southbound lanes of I-35, lasting until just before 2 p.m.
Video footage from the scene revealed several vehicles off the roadway, including the semi-truck. Three individuals were transported to hospitals as a result of the second crash, with two suffering serious injuries. Preliminary investigations indicated that the second crash likely originated from an initial two-vehicle incident, which led to a chain reaction exacerbated by slick road conditions from morning rain.
Driver Accounts and Reactions
Witnesses reported witnessing two cars sideswiping each other, which appeared to cause a ripple effect that the 18-wheeler could not navigate in time. A driver involved in the incident expressed concern about the unpredictability of such crashes and stressed that driver awareness is crucial.
Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns
The crashes come on the heels of two deadly incidents on I-35 within the past month, one of which resulted in a ten-vehicle pile-up and another involving an 18-vehicle crash, both resulting in fatalities. Following these events, the Georgetown police chief has underscored the importance of driver safety and advised motorists to remain focused and avoid distractions while driving.
As traffic on I-35 came to a standstill during both incidents, many motorists reported very little movement, some averaging only one mile per hour. Social media comments captured the frustration of drivers caught in the delays, with reports of individuals exiting their vehicles and seeking nearby provisions as they waited to resume their journeys.
Fortunately, no immediate reports of fatalities are available from either accident, but the impact of these incidents underscores the need for caution on the roads, especially in challenging weather conditions. As investigations continue, efforts to ensure safer travel on I-35 remain a top priority for local authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Crash in Round Rock Involves Ten Vehicles
Rising Traffic Fatalities in Austin Highlight Urgent Safety Concerns
Austin Grapples With Another Tragic Crash
Tragic Ten-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Fort Cavazos Woman
Pflugerville Rattled by Late Night Multi-Vehicle Crash
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Traffic Incident in Georgetown
- Wikipedia: Interstate 35 in Texas
- FOX 7 Austin: I-35 Crash in Georgetown
- Google Search: I-35 Georgetown Crash
- Joel A. Gordon: Firefighter Accident Georgetown
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Texas Traffic Safety
- KXAN: Georgetown 18-Wheeler Crash I-35
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown Texas
- Statesman: Firefighter Killed in Georgetown
- Google News: Georgetown I-35 Accident
