News Summary
A catastrophic accident on March 13 in Austin, Texas, resulted in the loss of five lives, including a child and an infant. The pileup involved 18 vehicles and was caused by a truck driver’s failure to stop during a traffic slowdown. Four occupants in one vehicle and one in another lost their lives, while 11 others were injured. The driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, raising questions amidst ongoing investigations into the accident’s circumstances.
Tragic Chain Reaction: Five Lives Lost in Austin I-35 Crash
Austin, Texas, witnessed a heartbreaking accident on the night of March 13 that resulted in the loss of five lives, including a child and an infant. According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the tragic incident involved an 18-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35, near Parmer and Howard Lanes, attributed to a truck driver’s failure to stop during a traffic slowdown.
The driver of the truck, identified as Solomon Weldekeal-Araya, aged 37, was operating an 18-wheeler loaded with goods for Amazon when he crashed into several vehicles that were already at a standstill due to construction work happening in the area. This terrifying event unfolded around 11 p.m., as Weldekeal-Araya barreled southbound into a traffic queue that had formed because of lane closures and reduced speed limits.
What Happened That Night?
Details from the report state that the truck collided with a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. This unfortunate impact didn’t stop there; the truck continued moving down the highway for about 0.1 miles, ultimately leading to a pileup involving 13 additional vehicles. The accident scene stretched over a staggering 500 feet, showcasing the chaos that ensued.
This specific section of the interstate was undergoing a short-term work zone pavement resurfacing project, which had begun earlier that evening at 9 p.m., with a planned conclusion by 3:30 a.m. the next day. Additionally, traffic had been reduced from three lanes to just one, and the speed limit lowered from 70 mph to 60 mph. Sadly, this precaution wasn’t enough to prevent the devastation that was to come.
The Aftermath: Lives Lost and Injuries Sustained
Tragically, four people riding in the Jetta and one occupant in the pickup truck lost their lives that night. To make matters worse, another 11 individuals suffered injuries due to the crash, with some sustaining life-threatening conditions. Local authorities have indicated that there were severe violations in Weldekeal-Araya’s hours of service leading up to the crash, alongside previously noted similar driving infractions in past inspections.
As a result of this catastrophic event, Weldekeal-Araya was arrested and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter, among other related charges. However, his attorney claims that the results of a toxicology screening showed no drugs or alcohol detected in his system at the time of the incident, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the crash.
Witnesses and Ongoing Investigation
Eyewitnesses to this harrowing scene reported being taken aback as the truck seemingly “plowed through” the lineup of nearly stopped vehicles. The audible sound of the collision was described as loud and shocking, with witnesses noting the sight of cars flying through the air. Following the incident, police inspections found no vehicle defects or braking issues with the truck. However, the NTSB and local authorities continue to investigate the specifics of what led to this tragedy.
Seeking Justice and Prevention
In light of this devastating event, multiple lawsuits have already been filed by victims and their families, seeking over $150 million in damages from various parties involved, including Amazon and the trucking company ZBN Transport. With the driver remaining in custody, ongoing legal proceedings are taking place. Reports indicate that he attempted to evade police by hiding in the truck’s cabin shortly after the crash.
As the investigation unfolds, the NTSB is dedicated to determining the probable cause of this horrific accident, with an aim to issue safety recommendations that can help prevent similar incidents in the future. The community mourns the loss of those who perished on that fateful night and hopes for healing in the aftermath of this tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN News
- Wikipedia: Interstate 35
- KFOX TV
- Google Search: Austin I-35 crash 2025
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Austin I-35 18-vehicle crash research
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- CBS Austin
- Google News: Austin I-35 crash
