AUSTIN, TX — A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the 17-vehicle pileup that killed five people, including an infant, late Thursday night on Interstate 35 in North Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya was booked into the Travis County Jail and is facing five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, police said.
Emergency crews responded at 11:23 p.m. to the crash in the 12900 block of I-35 southbound near Parmer Lane. Officials said three adults, one child, and an infant died at the scene. Eleven others were transported to hospitals, including two adults in serious condition and multiple others with severe or minor injuries.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has reopened I-35 frontage road lanes, and tolls remain waived for drivers between State Highway 45 and U.S. 290 eastbound.
The crash remains under investigation. Police are offering victim services counseling for those affected. No further details have been released at this time.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya was booked into the Travis County Jail and is facing five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, police said.
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