By Samantha Smith
A Louisiana woman died and three other people are in critical condition at St. David’s South Austin as a result of a traffic collision on FM 1626 late Wednesday, Aug. 23.
According to DPS public information officer Robbie Barrera, the accident occurred at approximately 10:21pm three miles northwest of Buda on FM 1626. The speed limit in the area is 55 miles per hour; conditions were clear and dry.
Barrera said the accident occurred when a 2015 Toyota Corolla, traveling north on FM 1626 approaching Leisurewoods, collided with a 2003 Honda Element that was traveling south on FM 1626 and turning left onto Leisurewoods Drive.
Barrera said the Toyota struck the Honda on the front passenger side, t-boning the Honda that had turned into the path of northbound traffic while attempting the turn.
The front seat passenger of the Honda, Carla Zimlich, 66, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was transported to St. David’s South Austin Hospital and pronounced deceased at 11:39pm.
The driver of the Honda, 73-year-old Wayne Zimlich, from Pochatoula, and another passenger, Jennifer Zimlich Segura, 43, from Austin, were also transported to St. David’s South Austin in critical condition.
Barrera said the driver of the Toyota, Teresa Gamez Acuna, 82, of Austin, was also transported to St. David’s South Austin in critical condition.
According to Barrera, a preliminary DPS investigation showed all vehicle occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Barrera said there is an ongoing investigation into the precise cause of the accident.
