UPDATE: The police have arrested the perpetrator, 21 year old Rashad Charjuan Owens, on counts of capital murder and aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. It is reported that the vehicle he was driving was stolen; alcohol is still being investigated, but it has come to light that this individual has been arrested for drunk driving before. Eight of the twenty-three individuals are still hospitalized at various condition levels. May all of you be graced with speedy recoveries.
Tragedy struck last night outside a Tyler, The Creator show in Austin, TX. Amidst the chaos of the already ensuing SXSW panels and shows, a reckless driver caused a massive scene outside of the House of Vans at Mohawk as he struck many individuals waiting in line outside for the event, and proceeded to flee the scene.
According to the Austin Police Department, 23 people have been transported, two are confirmed dead, and five are in critical condition.
Obviously this is a terrible occurrence, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved. Good news, however, as an individual is in custody. Austin Police Department and Chief Art Acevedo have addressed the public within the last hour and more information will be posted as it becomes available.
23 individuals have been transported. Of those 5 are in critical condition, 2 deceased. #SXSW
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
Individual is in custody. More details shortly. The names of the deceased will not be released until proper notifications have been made.
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
For those of you who have loved ones attending the conventions in Austin and are worried that they might have been effected, the American Red Cross will have the names of those involved available in the next hour or so. The number is below.
The American Red Cross Central TX will have a list of the names of the injured in last night's crash in the next hour. # is 800-928-4271.
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
UPDATE: SXSW has released their official statement this morning:
The SXSW staff is stunned and deeply moved by the events of last night.
Dozens of us were on the scene when the incident occurred and we worked closely with APD to create a perimeter around the area, turning back all the visitors spilling out of the clubs who headed north on Red River Street.
To avoid confusion we plan to carry on with our scheduled daytime events at the Austin Convention Center in order to serve our tens of thousands of participants during this tragic time.
All of the SXSW staff and volunteers reported for their regular duties this morning and will continue working today on the event.
We are contacting all of the venues to find out if they have made any decisions about their operations that might impact our visitors.
Despite all of our preparations for dealing with a major incident during SXSW, nothing could really prepare us for how this feels. As much as we would like to just go home and spend time absorbing the shock of this horrific event, we feel our best use is to continue to operate today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and with the families of the fatalities.
- Witnesses can contact APD 512-974-5186
- Check on a loved one. Red Cross will have list by 1pm 800-928-4271
Source: Pigeons And Planes
