Two killed as car crashes into pedestrians at SXSW

TWO people have died and at least five have been seriously injured after a car drove through barricades and hit a group of pedestrians outside a gig venue at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas.

Bystanders look on following the fatal crash at SXSW. Picture: AP (Jay Janner/Statesman.com)

Police confirmed that two people died in the collision, which took place along a city centre block where several nightclubs and venues are located.

The fatal crash happened around 12:30 a.m, with the driver taken into police custody.

Police said 21 others were taken to hospital, most with minor injuries, but that between five and seven people had suffered more serious injuries.

South by Southwest is one of the world’s largest and most influential cultural events. The programme is comprised of film, music and digital festivals and conferences.