Timeline: Deadly multi-vehicle I-35 crash involving Amazon truck

Details in the deadly crash on one of Austin’s busiest highways continue to unfold. One driver has been arrested in connection with the fatal crash that halted traffic for more than 13 hours. Here’s everything we know about the crash that has rattled the Texas capital for over 24 hours.

Details remain somewhat vague on exactly what caused the 17-care pileup on I-35 in North Austin near Parmer Lane. The wreck occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, March 13, but the impacts will be felt for long after.

A witness on the scene claimed an 18-wheeler slammed into traffic halted on I-35 that night, though official reports from police have been unclear of if this is accurate. However, a video shared online, dispersed by several local media outlets, shows an 18-wheeler crashed out on the interstate that night with several vehicles bashed in its wake.

Austin-Travis County EMS officials confirmed five victims in the crash were killed, including an infant. Another 11 were reported injured and transported to local hospitals, including another child with life-threatening injuries who was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center.

Two adults with life-threatening injuries were taken to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center. Three more adults, two of which were also in critical condition, were transported to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas. Two more children with minor injuries were also sent to Dell Children’s.

In total, there were 17 patients in the 17-vehicle crash, but one patient reportedly refused medical attention.

On Friday afternoon, March 14, the Austin Police Department confirmed it arrested Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, in relation to the fatal crash. He was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas which, upon conviction, carries a prison sentence of two to 20 years. Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony with a punishment range of two to 10 years in state prison. Araya remains in the Travis County Jail.

Araya’s name also appeared on a court docket for the City of Wilmer, southeast of Dallas, for a speeding ticket. He was scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. on March 19.

The 12900 block of I-35’s southbound lanes in North Austin were shut down for a big chuck of the day Friday as first responders worked the scene, investigating the crash, treating those injured and clearing debris. The crash initially occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday but officials did not fully open up all main lanes until 1 p.m. Friday.

An Amazon spokesperson, Amber Plunkett, confirmed Friday afternoon that a truck hauling for the massive online retailer was one of the 17 vehicles involved. Plunkett did not confirm if Araya was driving the truck or if the Amazon-contracted truck caused the crash.

“This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved,” Plunkett said to MySA. “We’re looking into this further and will cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate.”

In the midst of the ongoing investigation into what and who caused the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board announced it would be working alongside Austin PD to analyze the crash and cause. NTSB investigates every civil aviation accident on U.S. soil, but the agency also gets involved during “significant” accidents involving vehicles, trains or other modes of transportation.

“The NTSB, in coordination with the Austin Police Department, has opened a safety investigation into the March 13 crash involving multiple passenger and commercial vehicles in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas,” NTSB officials said in a statement. “The investigation go team will include experts in highway, survival and vehicle factors; human performance; and motor carrier factors. NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown will be spokesperson on scene.”