Austin I-35 Crash: Driver Charged with Manslaughter
Local authorities in Austin, Texas, have taken significant action following a tragic 17-vehicle accident on Interstate 35 that resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including an infant and a child. The driver of a tractor-trailer involved in the crash, identified as Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been apprehended and faces multiple charges of intoxication-related offenses.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday night, near Palmer Lane on southbound I-35. The crash was described as “incredibly chaotic,” with debris scattered across a wide area, prompting a major response from emergency services. Austin-Travis County EMS spokesperson Christa Stedman detailed the wide-reaching impact of the collision during a news briefing early Friday morning.
Charges Against Araya
Araya has been charged with:
- Five counts of Intoxication Manslaughter with a Vehicle
- Two counts of Intoxication Assault with a Vehicle, involving serious bodily injury
He is currently in custody at the Travis County Jail, following his arrest shortly after the crash. Officials from the Austin Police Department confirmed that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Victims and Injuries
The deadly crash resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including both a young child and an infant. Additionally, numerous others sustained injuries, with some cases reported as life-threatening. Emergency responders worked throughout the night, and I-35 was closed for nearly 14 hours to facilitate cleanup and investigation efforts, reopening around 1 p.m. on Friday.
Background on the Driver
According to reports, Araya had been operating the tractor-trailer for approximately four months for ZBN Transport LLC. A company representative stated that they conduct thorough background checks on their drivers and confirmed that there were no prior issues related to Araya’s employment.
While Araya was transporting cargo for Amazon during the time of the incident, it was clarified that he is not an employee of Amazon itself. An Amazon spokesperson expressed condolences, stating, “This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved. We’re looking into this further and will cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate.”
Continuing Investigation
As the investigation into this tragic event unfolds, authorities are diligently examining all aspects, from the crash dynamics to driver actions leading up to the incident. The community continues to process the aftermath of this devastating event, and support is being extended to the victims’ families during this difficult time.