A 37-year-old male driving a semi-truck has been charged with multiple counts of intoxication manslaughter after a significant collision on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 11 others.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the southbound lanes of I-35, situated between Howard Lane and Parmer Lane, around 10 miles north of the Texas Capitol. The incident involved 18 vehicles, including trucks, semi-trailers, truck tractors, and 13 passenger cars, and spanned roughly 528 feet.

According to Austin police reports, the scene revealed five fatalities, comprising three adults, one child, and an infant. Eleven additional individuals were taken to local hospitals, with several in critical condition. Two adults among the injured were reported to have life-threatening injuries.

“Multiple patients were pinned in their vehicles,” authorities stated, describing the scene as “incredibly chaotic.”

Emergency personnel from Austin EMS, the Austin Police Department, and the Austin Fire Department collaborated to manage the complex situation. They successfully extracted and transported all critically injured individuals from the scene in about 40 minutes.

“The diesel fuel from the 18-wheeler had been contained,” confirmed the fire department, addressing concerns about potential hazards at the crash site. 

Solomun Weldekeal Araya was arrested at the site and faces five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault under the influence of drugs. He is currently held at the Travis County Jail as the investigation continues into the crash’s cause.

Some reports indicate that the semi-truck involved might have been traveling at a high speed and did not stop for nearly half a mile. Witnesses claim the truck collided with multiple vehicles before halting. However, these details await official confirmation from investigators.

The crash location is under construction, with concrete barriers along the roadway, which may have influenced the collision’s severity. The southbound lanes of I-35 were closed for over 12 hours after the incident.

Among the 11 hospitalized, two adults were taken to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center with serious injuries, while two others were transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with severe injuries. Another victim had minor injuries. Three children were taken to Dell Children’s Hospital, one with potentially life-threatening injuries, and two with minor injuries.

Bystanders at the scene reported a grim situation, with vehicles wrecked and injured individuals on the road. Several witnesses attempted to assist, pulling victims from cars and trying to extinguish fires in some of the damaged vehicles.

“It was hard to see this,” one witness remarked, reflecting the traumatic nature of the scene on the busy interstate.

The Austin Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation into the crash’s exact cause and circumstances. This unit typically handles cases involving fatalities from vehicle collisions, particularly those with potential criminal charges.

The incident also led to a significant diesel spill, which cleanup crews addressed before reopening the highway. The southbound lanes of I-35 remained closed overnight and into the following day as investigators processed the extensive crash site and cleared the damaged vehicles.

The Austin Police Department has made victim services counselors available for those affected by the crash. Victims and their families can reach these support services by calling 512-974-5037 or emailing victim.services@austintexas.gov for assistance.

This event is one of the deadliest traffic collisions in the Austin area in recent years, marked by multiple fatalities, numerous injuries, and extensive vehicle involvement.

Austin, Texas, located about 200 miles south of Dallas, is experiencing increased traffic congestion as its population grows. Interstate 35, a major highway through the city, is undergoing construction in various sections to handle the increased traffic volume.