News Summary
A devastating 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in North Austin occurred on March 13, 2025, resulting in five fatalities, including two minors. The primary vehicle was a semi-truck, and emergency responders treated multiple individuals at the scene. The driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been arrested and charged. The incident has prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Austin, Texas – 17-Vehicle Crash Overview
On the night of March 13, 2025, a tragic accident involving 17 vehicles occurred on I-35 in North Austin, resulting in five fatalities, including a child and an infant. The chaos unfolded around 11:30 PM near Parmer Lane, creating extensive destruction that spanned approximately 500 feet of highway. The primary vehicle involved was a semi-truck driven by 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya.
Victims and Injuries
The crash has profoundly impacted numerous individuals and families. Five people lost their lives, among them two minors—a child and an infant. In addition to the fatalities, eleven others sustained injuries, with two individuals reported to have critical, life-threatening conditions. Emergency response teams treated a total of 17 patients at the crash scene, ensuring that those requiring urgent medical attention were transported to various local hospitals within a 40-minute timeframe.
Legal Actions
Following the incident, Solomun Weldekeal Araya has been arrested and charged. He faces five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. Currently, he is being held in the Travis County Jail as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are working to uncover details regarding the role of the semi-truck and its association with other vehicles involved in the collision.
Investigation Process
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a safety investigation into the accident. This comprehensive inquiry will involve experts from various fields, aiming to identify the factors contributing to the crash. Eyewitness accounts describe a significant crash noise, leading to considerable chaos on the highway, with reports of other vehicles being “pinned” in the wreckage. The specific involvement of an Amazon truck, which was also reportedly present, remains under investigation.
Emergency Response
First responders acted swiftly, handling a large-scale emergency situation involving numerous victims. Response teams managed to treat all patients at the accident site, emphasizing a well-coordinated effort amid the chaos. The main lanes of I-35 experienced immediate closures following the crash, but were reopened around 1 PM on Friday, allowing traffic to resume following a prolonged disruption.
Support for Victims and Families
The Austin Police Department has indicated that the names and details of the victims will take several days to be released. In the meantime, those affected by the tragedy are encouraged to reach out for assistance. The Austin Police Department Victim Services can provide support at 512-974-5037 or via email at victim.services@austintexas.gov, offering resources to help families cope with their losses.
Future Developments
As investigations continue, authorities will work to piece together the sequence of events leading to this devastating accident. The potential legal proceedings against Araya may unfold in the coming weeks, and the community will likely await further updates regarding the investigation’s findings. As families mourn their losses, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and responsibility among drivers.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- ABC News
- Google Search: Austin Texas Crash
- KXAN News
- Google Scholar: Austin Texas Crash
- Dallas News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas Crash
- NBC DFW
- Google News: Austin Texas Crash
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
