Arrest made after crash kills at least 5 people, shuts down I-35 in north Austin
· Yahoo NewsFor anyone needing to speak with APD Victim Services regarding the crash, call 512-974-5037 or email victim.services@austintexas.gov. APD said Victim Services counselors were available to assist and have connected with individuals and families in the hospital.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police said a 37-year-old man has been arrested after at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.
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According to first responders, the five people who died at the crash near Parmer and Howard Lane included three adults, one child and one infant. The other 11 people who were injured included:
- four adults with critical, life-threatening injuries
- four adults with minor injuries
- one child with potentially life-threatening injuries
- two children with minor injuries
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily injury in connection with the crash, according to the Austin Police Department.
Police sources confirmed with KXAN the person arrested was the driver of a semi-truck hauling for Amazon. The driver involved in this incident is not an Amazon employee.
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An Amazon spokesperson provided the following statement regarding the crash:
“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,” Amazon spokesperson Amber Plunkett said.
KXAN reached out to the semi-truck company involved in the crash. The owner of ZBN Transport LLC said Friday afternoon there’s been no contact with its semi-truck driver. The company told KXAN Araya has been with the ZBN Transport LLC for about four months, and there have not been any prior issues with him. Additionally, the company said it conducts background checks, and nothing showed up for Araya.
RELATED | Stretch of I-35 in Thursday night’s crash has seen 14 traffic fatalities since 2022
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Amazon said its third-party contractors must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) ratings, which include background checks and screenings. If a carrier isn’t compliant with FMCSA standards, they can’t haul Amazon loads, Amazon said.
Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) Crews respond to 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin (KXAN photo) First responders continue to work the scene of a fatal crash in north Austin (KXAN photo) First responders continue to work the scene of a fatal crash in north Austin (KXAN photo) First responders continue to work the scene of a fatal crash in north Austin (KXAN photo) First responders continue to work the scene of a fatal crash in north Austin (KXAN photo) Tow trucks remove vehicles involved in fatal I-35 crash (KXAN photo) Tow trucks remove vehicles involved in fatal I-35 crash (KXAN photo)
According to police, all the people who needed help were off the scene, and those in critical condition were removed in about 40 minutes. APD said the crash happened around 11:20 p.m.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office released the following statement to KXAN:
“Our hearts ache for the victims, their families, and our community affected by the fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-35. Since early this morning, our team has been in communication with APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit to assist in their investigation of this tragedy. Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families and will continue to support APD in their investigation.”
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MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2025?
The cause of the crash is being investigated, according to police.
NTSB investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board said it has opened a safety investigation into the crash. The investigation will be in coordination with the Austin Police Department.
NTSB said the investigation team would include experts in:
- highway, survival and vehicle factors
- human performance
- motor carrier factors
Road closures
Austin police initially posted at 11:58 p.m. on Thursday that all southbound lanes of I-35 were closed in the area between Parmer and Howard Lanes.
Around 1 p.m. Friday, TxDOT said all lanes reopened — nearly 14 hours after the deadly crash.
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The Austin Fire Department said the extensive closure was partially due to a diesel spill on the road, as well as time needed to clear the road of other debris.
According to ATCEMS, the scene spread across about 1/10 of a mile.
TxDOT first reported the mainlanes would remain closed for several hours Friday and suggested drivers find an alternate route.
The department also previously waived toll fees for drivers looking to avoid the traffic. The toll fees have since been reinstated.
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