Pedestrian Struck and Killed by 18-Wheeler on Interstate 35
Authorities have released new details regarding the fatal crash that brought Interstate 35 to a standstill earlier today, though an investigation into the incident is still ongoing. The accident, which occurred in the 6000 block of the major Texas highway, has claimed the life of a 31-year-old pedestrian from Austin.
At around 9:15 a.m., emergency services from both the New Braunfels Police Department and Fire Department were dispatched following reports of an 18-wheeler colliding with a pedestrian. The victim has since been identified as Austin Michael Arp, a resident of Austin, Texas. According to a statement from New Braunfels police, the truck driver involved in the collision was unharmed and is not expected to face any charges related to the accident. Investigators from the New Braunfels Police Department Traffic Unit are continuing their probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident, which took place during the morning commute, forced officials to close all southbound lanes of the interstate as they worked to investigate and clear the scene. Sigalert, a real-time traffic service, has confirmed that all lanes have now been reopened to traffic. However, the aftermath of the accident caused significant delays, with traffic backing up for several miles.
Earlier today, southbound lanes of Interstate 35 near New Braunfels were completely shut down due to a tragic accident that left one person dead. The New Braunfels Police Department was quick to issue a warning to drivers, urging them to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as first responders and investigators handled the situation. According to police, the crash took place between Solms Road (Exit 183) and Engel Road (Exit 182), with the main point of impact occurring near the 6000 block of the interstate.
The collision led to a chaotic scene on the busy highway, with traffic being diverted off the interstate at Exit 182 onto the southbound frontage road. This detour caused heavy delays for motorists, particularly those approaching from Farm to Market Road 725 (Exit 187) and Seguin Avenue. TransGuide, a Texas Department of Transportation traffic service, reported that all four lanes of the highway were blocked for several hours following the crash.
As details surrounding the crash continue to emerge, investigators are focusing on several key aspects of the accident, including the pedestrian's presence on the highway and the circumstances leading up to the collision. It remains unclear why Austin Michael Arp was on foot along such a high-traffic stretch of road. Authorities are also examining whether factors such as visibility, road conditions, or driver distraction could have contributed to the fatal accident.
In a statement to the press, the New Braunfels Police Department expressed its condolences to Arp's family, while also asking for the public’s understanding as they continue their investigation. “We are working diligently to gather all the facts surrounding this tragic event,” a police spokesperson said. “We understand this is a difficult time for everyone involved, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to investigate.”
As of now, no further details have been released regarding when the investigation will be completed or whether there will be any further developments. It is also unclear if any witnesses were present at the scene when the crash occurred, or if any additional information will come from potential surveillance footage along the highway. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the New Braunfels Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
As of the latest update, all lanes of Interstate 35 have been reopened, but traffic in the area is still recovering from the morning's significant delays. According to Sigalert, congestion had stretched for several miles along the interstate, causing severe disruptions for travelers heading through the Texas Hill Country region. Commuters were advised to expect residual slowdowns as traffic flow returned to normal.
For local residents and frequent travelers of this stretch of I-35, the accident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise on busy highways. Many are left wondering what steps can be taken to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians in the area. While authorities work to determine the root cause of the crash, the community is left mourning the sudden loss of a young Austin resident, while also hoping for more clarity as the investigation continues.
The New Braunfels Police Department has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. Until then, the investigation remains active, and the roadways have been fully reopened. Drivers are urged to continue exercising caution, particularly in areas where investigations or clean-up efforts may still be taking place.
This story will be updated as further details are released.
