1 dead in crash on SH 71 in Bastrop

BASTROP, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - A man has died in a car crash that caused a temporary shutdown of SH 71, just east of the Colorado River bridge in Bastrop Monday afternoon.

City of Bastrop police officers were dispatched to SH 71 and Paul C. Bell Street in response to a vehicle fire just before 2 p.m. Bastrop Fire Department, ESD 2, Phi Air Medical and Acadian EMS were also on scene providing aid.

According to Bastrop police, a preliminary investigation indicated the driver of a 2000 Suzuki Forenza was westbound on SH 71 when he crossed the median and drove into oncoming traffic, striking a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck. 

The driver of the Suzuki was found dead on arrival and the truck driver was transported to Dell Seton hospital. The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld while authorities notify his next of kin.

No other injuries were reported.

SH 71 was shut down for 48 minutes and both lanes has since been re-opened. 

The investigation is still ongoing.