On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a devastating multi-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 35 (I-35) in North Austin, Texas. The incident involved 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, and tragically resulted in five fatalities, including an infant and a child.
Additionally, 11 individuals sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor. A 37-year-old driver, identified as Solomun Weldekeal Araya, was arrested in connection with the crash and faces multiple charges.
Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: The crash occurred at approximately 11:23 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
- Location: The incident took place on I-35 Southbound, near the 12900 block, between Parmer Lane and Howard Lane in North Austin.
- Involved Vehicles: A total of 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, were involved in the collision.
Casualties and Injuries
- Fatalities: Five individuals lost their lives at the scene:
- Three adults
- One child
- One infant
- Injuries: Eleven individuals were injured, including:
- Four adults with critical, life-threatening injuries
- Four adults with minor injuries
- One child with potentially life-threatening injuries
- Two children with minor injuries
Arrest and Charges
- Suspect: Solomun Weldekeal Araya, aged 37, was arrested at the scene.
- Charges: Araya faces:
- Five counts of intoxication manslaughter
- Two counts of intoxication assault
- Current Status: Araya is held in the Travis County Jail. It is unclear if he has legal representation.
Cause of the Crash
Preliminary investigations suggest that an 18-wheeler failed to stop in time, colliding with stopped traffic at approximately 80 mph.
This collision initiated a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck hauling for Amazon. The driver of this Amazon-affiliated truck was identified as Araya. Amazon has expressed condolences and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Traffic Impact and Road Closures
- Immediate Impact: All southbound lanes of I-35 were closed following the crash, leading to significant traffic congestion.
- Duration of Closure: The main lanes remained closed for several hours, with full reopening occurring around 1 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025.
- Detours: Drivers were advised to use State Highway 130 as an alternate route, with tolls waived from SH 45 to US 290 East during the closure period.
Safety Recommendations
In light of this incident, motorists are advised to:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local traffic updates and road conditions, especially during adverse weather or visibility-reducing conditions.
- Exercise Caution: Maintain appropriate speeds and following distances, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or potential hazards.
- Adhere to Road Closures: Respect all road closures and detour signs to ensure safety and facilitate emergency response efforts.
The tragic events of March 13, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on our roadways, especially involving large commercial vehicles.
The swift response of emergency services and the ongoing investigation aim to provide clarity and justice regarding this incident.
Sad! Why are these types of commercial drivers on our roads! I don’t feel the drivers or companies are responsible I feel it’s the departments that are in charge of the CDL. Are responsible for letting it happen! That’s my opinion! Poor families I feel for them!