Drunk driver fleeing cops plows into crowd at SXSW, killing two

Austin, Texas (CNN) -- An intoxicated driver fleeing police plowed his car into a crowd at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, killing two people, authorities said early Thursday.

The man and woman killed were riding their light motorcycles, said Art Acevedo, chief of the Austin Police Department.

At least 23 others were hospitalized, some with multiple internal injuries. Most of the victims were in their 20s, said Dr. Christopher Ziebell, medical director at the University Medical Center Brackenridge emergency department.

"A few of the cases are quite severe," Ziebell said during a news conference, adding that he has concerns about the two most critical patients.

He further said that it was fortunate the incident occurred so close to the hospital, and he applauded the Travis County paramedics, who had just undergone training for a similar scenario, for their response.

A suspect is in custody and faces two counts of capital murder and 23 counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, Acevedo said.

Before the incident, the man was driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Authorities attempted to stop the car, but it sped off, almost hitting an officer, according to Acevedo.

The car later ran into the crowd.

victorismyhero wrote:ban cars, clearly they are as dangerous as guns....