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Tragic Chain Reaction Crash on I-35 Claims Five Lives
Late Thursday evening, a devastating traffic incident occurred on Interstate 35 near Parmer Lane, leading to a scenario where vehicles were merging into a single lane. According to federal investigators, the situation escalated when a
The large truck involved, an 18-wheeler from a Dallas-based company, reportedly “failed to slow down” as it approached the area where traffic was reduced due to ongoing roadwork by the Texas Department of Transportation, as noted by officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Those who lost their lives were occupants of two vehicles, including an infant and a child, as confirmed by NTSB investigators. In a statement, NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown expressed condolences, stating, “This is a difficult situation, and my heart and prayers go out to everyone involved.”
Details surrounding the crash have raised questions about the truck driver’s actions. Investigators have not determined the precise speed at which Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was traveling at the time of the incident but plan to analyze video evidence and data from the truck itself.
The incident caused significant disruptions, with Interstate 35 being closed for much of the day on Friday, affecting a large number of drivers. Reports indicate that as many as 19 vehicles may have been struck during the crash, according to a search warrant affidavit submitted by Austin police.
Although Araya was arrested under charges of intoxication manslaughter and assault, the NTSB did not address potential criminal implications during their press briefing. He remains incarcerated at the Travis County Jail. The affidavit cited signs of impairment, such as swaying and bloodshot eyes, while noting that Araya had tested 0.00 on a breathalyzer.
In response to the incident, Amazon representative Maureen Lynch Vogel confirmed that the truck was transporting goods for the company at the time of the crash, offering thoughts to those affected and promising cooperation with the ongoing investigations.
ZBN Transport, the company employing Araya, verified his employment status, noting he had been with them for approximately four months. The NTSB’s investigation will look into systemic factors that may have contributed to the crash, with a preliminary report expected in about 30 days, while a comprehensive final report could take up to two years to complete.
According to Bragg, an investigator from the NTSB, the aim of the agency is to analyze not only the immediate cause of the accident but also recommend preventive measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.
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This article was adapted from a report by the Austin American-Statesman: I-35 crash: Truck did not slow near TxDot work, killing 5, NTSB says.
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