A tragic accident in Austin, Texas, has left five people dead and several others injured. The crash happened late Thursday night on Interstate 35 and involved 17 vehicles. Authorities reported that the collision occurred just before 11:30 p.m.
Among those who lost their lives were three adults, a child, and an infant. First responders quickly arrived at the scene and transported 11 individuals to local hospitals for treatment. The aftermath of the crash resulted in a chaotic scene, with mangled vehicles and debris strewn across the highway.
Police have charged 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. He is currently in custody at the Travis County Jail. As of now, it is unclear whether he has legal representation, as jail records do not indicate an attorney.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wreck is ongoing, and police have not released specific details yet. Officer Austin Zarling described the incident as “very large and very complex,” highlighting the challenges faced by first responders.
Following the crash, the southbound lanes of I-35 were closed for several hours, reopening around 1 p.m. on Friday. Eyewitness Edgar Viera, who was nearby when the accident occurred, attempted to assist those involved. He expressed the difficulty of the situation, noting that they lacked the tools needed to help effectively.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.