Deadly Pileup on South Interstate 35 in Austin
Update:
9:23 p.m. March 14, 2025: Updated with information about a driver’s arrest.
Introduction to the Incident
An overnight pileup on south Interstate 35 in Austin left 5 dead, officials said, while the driver of a semi-truck faces charges of intoxication manslaughter.
Response to the Crash
According to officials with Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin police and Austin fire, first responders were called at about 11:20 p.m. Thursday on reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles and a semi-truck in the 12900 block of I-35 south. When crews arrived, they found multiple people pinned inside their vehicles.
Extent of the Damage
In total, 17 vehicles were involved in the pileup, which was spread out over a tenth of a mile, officials said. Three people needed to be cut from their vehicles, officials said.
Victims and Injuries
Seventeen people in total were injured in the collision and five were pronounced dead at the scene, including three adults and two children, one of whom was an infant, officials said.
Breaking News
Hospitalizations and Injuries
Eleven people were taken to area hospitals after the crash, five of whom had critical or potentially life-threatening injuries, officials said. Included in that toll were three children, one of whom had potentially life-threatening injuries, officials said.
Arrest and Charges
Austin police later said Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was arrested and faces five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. According to the local FOX station in Austin, he was the driver of the semi-truck.
Response and Road Closure
Several agencies, including the Travis County sheriff’s office and Round Rock Police Department, responded to the crash, which caused the highway to be shut down. Interstate 35 southbound was reopened at about 1 p.m. Friday, according to Fox7.
Conclusion
The deadly pileup on south Interstate 35 in Austin resulted in the loss of five lives and injured seventeen people. The driver of the semi-truck, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, was arrested and faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and assault. The incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need for vigilance on the roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened on south Interstate 35 in Austin?
A: A pileup involving 17 vehicles and a semi-truck occurred, resulting in 5 deaths and 17 injuries.
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the crash?
A: Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, the driver of the semi-truck, was arrested and faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and assault.
Q: How many people were taken to hospitals after the crash?
A: Eleven people were taken to area hospitals, with five having critical or potentially life-threatening injuries.
Q: Were any children involved in the crash?
A: Yes, three children were involved, with one having potentially life-threatening injuries. Two children, including an infant, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Q: When was the highway reopened?
A: Interstate 35 southbound was reopened at about 1 p.m. Friday, according to Fox7.
