Web Desk
A tragic car crash in Texas left five people dead and more than a dozen injured. Authorities say the crash was caused by a drunk driver.
The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya has been arrested and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred late Thursday, March 13, at around 11:23 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-35 in Austin.
According to Austin Travis County Medical Services, multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck, were involved in the collision. Several victims were trapped inside their cars.
Emergency responders confirmed that five people—three adults, one child, and one infant—died at the scene.
Seventeen others suffered injuries, with eleven taken to the hospital. Among them, three were children. One child had life-threatening injuries, while the other two sustained minor injuries.
Investigation and Suspect Details
Authorities have not released details on how the crash happened or how Araya was identified as the suspect.
He is currently in custody at Travis County Jail. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
Officials reported that an 18-wheeler involved in the crash had a ruptured saddle tank. Although the truck did not catch fire, another vehicle did.
A good Samaritan used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before the Austin Fire Department arrived.
