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Two people killed in a high‑speed SH 130 crash near Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory, with northbound lanes closed and three others treated on scene.
Two people were pronounced dead after a Cadillac XT6 collided with a Kia Soul on State Highway 130 near Tesla’s Gigafactory in southeast Austin at about 7:49 p.m. Wednesday, prompting Travis County deputies and multiple emergency units to close and later reopen the northbound lanes [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Vehicles involved | Cadillac XT6, Kia Soul |
| Time of crash | ~7:49 p.m. |
| Lane impact | Northbound lanes closed, later reopened |
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the Cadillac XT6 was traveling north at a “high rate of speed” when it struck the Kia Soul, causing the larger vehicle to roll several times. Both occupants of the Cadillac—identified as 20‑year‑old Ametty Laely Mejia and 19‑year‑old Genesis Abril Sanchez—were ejected and declared dead at the scene. Three additional patients were evaluated by Austin‑Travis County Emergency Medical Services, though none were reported as fatalities [1].
Following the collision, the Texas Department of Transportation shut all northbound lanes of SH 130 near Tesla Road. The closure lasted long enough to disrupt traffic but the lanes have since been reopened. The crash remains under investigation, with authorities yet to release a definitive cause or any contributing factors [1].
The incident underscores the risks of high‑speed travel on heavily used corridors near major industrial sites, and it raises questions about roadway safety measures in rapidly expanding Austin suburbs.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · Jun 17, 2026 · How we report
No. Elon Musk has denied such reports, calling them "fake news," and said no discussions have taken place.
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