Multiple adults, children and an infant were involved in the collision late Thursday night on I-35 near Parmer Lane, Austin-Travis County EMS said.
In North Austin on Interstate 35, a man has been arrested and is confronted with several charges following a serious accident that resulted in the death of five individuals and injuries to nearly twelve others.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, aged 37, is accused of five counts of intoxication manslaughter in connection to the deaths. Additionally, he is charged with two counts of intoxication assault. He has been taken into custody and is being held at the Travis County Jail.
Emergency responders were first alerted to a traffic incident at approximately 11:23 p.m. near the 3100 block of Interstate 35, as they were heading southbound close to Parmer Lane, as stated by Officer Austin Zarling from the Austin Police Department (APD).
Once on scene, responders said the crash was severe, with three people rescued by the Austin Fire Department after they were trapped inside their vehicles.
Three adults, one child and a baby all died on scene, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) said.
Eleven people were taken to hospitals, two of whom were transported to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center for serious injuries. Two other adults were taken to Dell Seton with severe injuries, and another was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Three children were transported to Dell Children’s Hospital: one with possibly life-threatening injuries and two with minor injuries. Three adults were also taken to Seton Medical Center with minor injuries, ATCEMS said.
In total, ATCEMS said 17 people and 17 vehicles were involved in the collision. All patients in critical condition were removed from the scene in about 40 minutes, ATCEMS Cpt. Christa Stedman said Friday morning.
Diesel fuel also spilled out of the 18-wheeler, but crews said the spill has since been contained.
Drivers were asked to avoid I-35 for hours as investigators processed the scene. As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, all lanes have reopened.
APD said anyone who needs to speak with the department’s Victim Services Unit regarding the crash can call 512-974-5037 or email [email protected]. Victim Services counselors are available to assist.
In coordination with APD, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it has opened a safety investigation into this crash. NTSB said the “investigation go team will include experts in highway, survival and vehicle factors; human performance; and motor carrier factors.”
