Teenager dies, five others seriously hurt in 7-vehicle I-35 crash

BELL COUNTY (KWTX) – A 13-year-old boy from Florida died and at least five others were taken to Scott & White Medical Center in Temple with what authorities said were “incapacitating injuries” after a seven-vehicle pileup Tuesday on Interstate 35 south of Belton

The teenager’s name was not released Wednesday because of his age.

The accident happened just before 11 a.m. Tuesday on northbound Interstate 35 near Shanklin Road.

One of the seriously injured victims was flown to the hospital and the others were taken by ambulance.

One of the injured victims is younger than 17.

Six other people were involved in the crash, but none were seriously hurt.

Initial reports indicated first responders were performing CPR on four or more people including children.

The chain-reaction crash occurred in a construction zone where there was a traffic backup, Department of Public Safety Sgt. Bryan Washko said.

At least five ambulances and two medical helicopters responded to the accident scene near the Bell Expo Center.

Northbound lanes were closed to traffic in the area of the accident for several hours.

They were reopened late Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators want to know if the driver who initiated the crash was distracted at the time of the accident, Washko said.

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