Austin, United States—Emergency responders converged on Interstate 35 this morning after a chain-reaction crash involved more than a dozen vehicles. The pileup occurred during high-volume commuter hours, resulting in significant injuries. State troopers confirmed three individuals remain in critical condition at area hospitals.

Heavy rain had slicked the highway surface prior to the initial impact. A tractor-trailer reportedly jackknifed, prompting a cascade of secondary collisions as following drivers attempted to stop. The resulting wreckage spans nearly a quarter-mile of the southbound lanes.

Paramedics extracted multiple trapped victims using hydraulic cutters. The severity of the damage required three separate air ambulances to transport the most severely injured to trauma centers. Dozens of other drivers were treated on the scene for minor lacerations and shock.

Texas Department of Transportation crews arrived to manage the resulting gridlock that stretched back over ten miles. They diverted traffic onto frontage roads to clear space for the heavy machinery needed to move the tractor-trailer. The detour route quickly reached capacity, bringing local traffic to a complete halt.

Investigators have begun reviewing dashcam footage from surrounding vehicles to determine the exact sequence of events. They are specifically looking at whether speed contributed to the initial loss of control. The lead investigator noted the road conditions were hazardous at the time of the collision.

The highway will stay closed until specialized cleanup crews remove spilled diesel fuel and debris. Engineers must also inspect the integrity of the concrete barriers struck during the event. Authorities expect the closure to last through the evening rush hour.

Drivers are being warned to avoid the corridor entirely. Local police have requested that motorists find alternative highways to bypass the incident site. The pressure on the local transit infrastructure continues to mount as the workday progresses.

State officials are waiting for the final accident report before determining if citations will be issued. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as crews continue to clear the site.