Driver Killed After Car Fire Caused By Wreck: Austin PD

AUSTIN, TX — An unidentified man died in a late October crash when his car caught fire after slamming into a telephone pole.

The incident occurred on Oct. 30 along the 3800 block of South U.S. Highway 183 southbound, according to a police advisory. A preliminary police investigation shows that a silver Honda Accord was traveling southbound in the inside lane of south U.S. Highway 183 before the driver lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The impact caused the car to erupt into flames, police added.

Police said a witness to the crash confirmed it was a single-vehicle crash, and no other people or vehicles were involved. The sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene at around 10:20 p.m. The crash victim remains unidentified, police said, and next of kin has not been notified. Police added it is believed alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

While police continue to investigate, they urge those with information regarding this case to call detectives at (512) 974-4278. Tips also can be submitted by downloading the police department's mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked Austin’s 73rd fatal traffic crash of 2020, police said, resulting in 78 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, police added, there were 73 traffic fatalities.