AUSTIN, TX – A man has been arrested in connection to a north Austin crash that killed five people and injured several others on Thursday.
According to KXAN, the accident happened shortly before 11:30 p.m. on I-35 near Parmer Lane. This is near the Tech Ridge and Scofield Farms neighborhoods.
Police say that 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya was intoxicated while driving an 18-wheeler for ZBN Transport LLC.
Araya caused a chain-reaction crash that ultimately involved at least 17 vehicles, killing three adults, a child, and a baby. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims.
Medics transported four additional adults and one other child to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Four adults and two children sustained minor injuries. It’s unclear if they required hospitalization.
Araya faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
A full investigation is underway.
If you’re grieving a family member lost in an auto collision caused by a drunk driver, we know that that the prospect of a legal battle is overwhelming. During this difficult time, please know that the Austin-area wrongful death lawyers at Funk & Associates can take charge of your family’s case and fight on your behalf for the justice you deserve. Call us at your convenience at (512) 472-3865 or reach us online to request a free consultation.