Breaking News: Accident at I-35 and Ben White

An 18-wheeler struck a pedestrian at the intersection of East Ben White and the south I-35 northbound service road just over an hour ago. Understandably, traffic at that intersection is extremely congested.

From the Statesman's Blotter:

A news release by the Austin Police Department:

At approximately 2:50 p.m., APD patrol officers responded to a collision at East Ben White Boulevard and the south I-35 northbound service road. It is believed that an 18-wheeler was attempting to turn right onto the south I-35 northbound service road when he struck an elderly male in the crosswalk. The male was struck by the rear wheels of the truck.

The male was pronounced deceased at the scene at 2:57 p.m.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or have information about this incident to call 974-5794. This case remains under investigation by APD Vehicular Homicide detectives. This was the 39th Traffic Fatality of 2006.

Traffic on Westbound Ben White is being diverted onto Woodward, according to Fox 7 News.