AUSTIN, TX – Officials have released new evidence pertaining to the 18-vehicle pile-up that killed five people last month in North Austin.

According KXAN, the toxicology results for Solomun Weldekeal-Araya, the truck driver that caused the crash, indicate that he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the wreck occurred.

Austin Police arrested Weldekeal-Araya after the March 13th accident on multiple charges, including intoxication manslaughter and assault. Given this new evidence, the truck driver’s attorney asks that he be released while the investigation continues.

The multi-vehicle collision occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on the southbound side of I-35 between East Parmer and West Howard Lanes.

Weldekeal-Araya failed to decelerate for slowed traffic in a construction zone and rear-ended a sedan and a pickup truck. Fifteen additional vehicles then became involved in a chain-reaction crash.

Along with the five fatalities, eleven people were injured.

The investigation is ongoing.

 If you’ve lost a loved one in a Travis County crash involving a semi-truck, please accept our deepest condolences. We know you are hurting and likely overwhelmed by the prospect of fighting a lengthy legal battle. During this difficult time, let the Austin personal injury attorneys at Funk & Associates take charge of your family’s case and help you fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at (512) 472-3865 or reach us via our website for a free consultation.