Multiple adults, children and an infant were involved in the collision late Thursday night on I-35 near Parmer Lane, Austin-Travis County EMS said.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man has been arrested and faces multiple charges after a major crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin that left five people dead and nearly a dozen injured.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, is facing five charges of intoxication manslaughter for each of the people killed. He is also facing two charges of intoxication assault. He has been booked into the Travis County Jail.
Crews initially responded to a call about a traffic incident around 11:23 p.m. near the 3100 block of Interstate 35, heading southbound near Parmer Lane, according to Officer Austin Zarling with the Austin Police Department (APD).
Once on scene, responders said the crash was severe, with three people rescued by the Austin Fire Department after they were trapped inside their vehicles.
Three adults, one child and a baby all died on scene, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) said.
Eleven people were taken to hospitals, two of whom were transported to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center for serious injuries. Two other adults were taken to Dell Seton with severe injuries, and another was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Three children were transported to Dell Children’s Hospital: one with possibly life-threatening injuries and two with minor injuries. Three adults were also taken to Seton Medical Center with minor injuries, ATCEMS said.
In total, ATCEMS said 17 people and 17 vehicles were involved in the collision. All patients in critical condition were removed from the scene in about 40 minutes, ATCEMS Cpt. Christa Stedman said Friday morning.
Diesel fuel also spilled out of the 18-wheeler, but crews said the spill has since been contained.
Drivers are asked to avoid I-35 until further notice. However, the I-35 frontage road lanes have reopened, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Tolls have also been waived for drivers traveling between State Highway 45 to U.S. 290 heading east.
APD said anyone who needs to speak with the department’s Victim Services Unit regarding the crash can call 512-974-5037 or email victim.services@austintexas.gov. Victim Services counselors are available to assist.
The investigation into this crash continues.