Two people were killed and 23 more were injured when a driver ran through a crowd of people waiting to get into the Mohawk nightclub, reports CBS Austin. The crash happened at around 12:30 a.m. local time on March 13.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Suspect Was Tasered at the Scene
Individual is in custody. More details shortly. The names of the deceased will not be released until proper notifications have been made.
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
Cops have a suspect in custody. He was tasered at the scene but was unhurt during the crash. The suspect is likely to face murder charges.
2. He Drove on to a Street Closed Off For the Festival
Photo: Man struck by vehicle outside venue near SXSW in Austin [Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman] – pic.twitter.com/XPzgsjEKhv
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) March 13, 2014
According to police the suspect was “fleeing from arrest.” He drove the wrong way down a one-way street before turning on to Red River, a street closed off to traffic during the festival. The man was being pulled over by cops at a checkpoint designed to curb drunk driving.
3. Medical Staff Are Very Concerned About 2 of the Critical Victims
At a hospital press conference, Dr. Ziebrell told the media he was very concerned about the critical condition patients. He said they were among the worst injuries he sees. Both have head trauma. Another patient listed in serious condition is suffering from a spinal injuries. The doctor commented that all of the victims were in their 20s.
4. The 2 Fatalities Were Riding on the Same Bike
Austin police on scene say this is suspect car. Has heavy damage to front end. #sxsw pic.twitter.com/xrgTcKKwI0
— Marcus Moore (@MarcusMoorewfaa) March 13, 2014
The two people killed were a man and a woman on a bike. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The man was from the Netherlands.
5. The Crowd Were On Line to See Tyler the Creator
Among the acts on the bill were Tyler the Creator and The Black Angels.