A devastating crash occurred late Thursday night on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas, leading to the deaths of five individuals and injuries to several others. The accident, which involved 17 vehicles, took place just before 11:30 p.m. Among the deceased were three adults, a child, and an infant, while 11 others sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals. Authorities responded swiftly to the chaotic scene, which left the highway covered in wreckage.
Driver Faces Serious Charges as Authorities Continue Crash Investigation for More Details
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, has been charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault following the tragic crash. Austin police confirmed his arrest on Friday, and he is currently being held in Travis County Jail. It is unclear whether Araya has legal representation, as jail records do not list an attorney for him. The severity of the charges highlights the deadly consequences of impaired driving.
Driver Charged With Intoxication Manslaughter After Multi-Vehicle Crash Kills Five in AustinAuthorities have not yet released details about the events leading up to the massive wreck. In an email statement, Austin police noted that the investigation remains in its early stages, and no further information was available at the time. The lack of clarity on the cause has left many awaiting updates as officials work to piece together the sequence of events.
Road Closure, Cleanup Efforts, and Bystanders’ Struggles in the Aftermath of Tragic Crash
Following the crash, the southbound lanes of I-35 were shut down, causing significant traffic disruptions. Authorities worked through the morning to clear the debris and mangled vehicles from the roadway. The interstate remained closed well into Friday before reopening around 1 p.m. The extensive damage at the scene underscored the magnitude of the collision, described by Officer Austin Zarling as “very large and very complex.”
In the aftermath of the crash, bystanders stepped in to try and help victims. Edgar Viera, a witness who was near the scene, recounted his efforts to assist those trapped in vehicles. Speaking to NBC affiliate KXAN, he expressed frustration at the lack of proper tools to aid victims, stating, “We just did what we could. It was hard to see this.” His account highlights the tragic and overwhelming nature of the incident, leaving the community in shock.