Two Dead, Northbound I-35 Shut Down for Hours Following Multiple Temple Accidents

As Texans were beginning their day, drivers who entered Interstate 14 and merged onto Interstate 35 were brought to a complete halt. According to KWTX, thousands of vehicles were backed up in traffic for one to three hours due to accidents that occurred early this morning.

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Two Dead in Temple: I-35 Northbound Shutdown Detailed

In Temple, two individuals lost their lives in separate crashes that shut down Interstate 35. The first crash occurred at approximately 3:36 a.m. Officers were dispatched to the area near Midway Drive and Interstate 35, where they found that one vehicle had been struck by another. The Temple Police Department stated that the initial vehicle appeared to be traveling northbound but, for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and came to rest in the middle of the highway. A second northbound vehicle then collided with the disabled car. Police stated that one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Investigation Underway After Series of Fatal Accidents Closes I-35 Northbound

The second crash occurred around 4:52 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the northbound lanes near Exit 297 at Midway Drive for a traffic accident involving semi-trucks. Two tractor-trailers were involved, with one being struck from behind by the other. Upon arrival, officers pronounced one individual dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The Temple Police Department is investigating both accidents. Interstate 35 remained shut down for several hours in both areas as authorities worked the scenes.