Speeding Amazon semi caused 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in Austin; at least 5 dead, 11 injured [View all]

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Last edited Sat Mar 15, 2025, 12:45 AM - Edit history (3)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/14/austin-multi-vehicle-crash-deaths-injuries/82399554007/
5 dead, including 2 children, after 17-vehicle crash in Austin; several others injured
Taylor Ardrey
USA TODAY

Five people are dead, including children, and several were left hospitalized following a multi-vehicle crash in Austin, Texas on Thursday, officials said.

The fatal incident, which also involved a semi-truck, occurred on Interstate 35 in North Austin, and authorities responded to the scene just before 11:30 p.m.

They discovered "multiple patients pinned in their vehicles," Captain Christa Stedman of Austin Travis County EMS said at a press conference.

Stedman added that 17 individuals and cars were involved in the crash. Among the deceased were an infant, another child, and three adults. They were pronounced dead at the location.


https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/bystanders-help-after-fatal-17-vehicle-crash/
‘It was hard to see this’: Bystanders help after fatal 17-vehicle crash
by: Julianna Russ
Posted: Mar 14, 2025 / 06:38 AM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A witness of a fatal 17-vehicle crash late Thursday night on Interstate 35 in north Austin spoke with KXAN about the incident.

Edgar Viera, who was at a nearby store and heard the crash, claimed an 18-wheeler was going 80 mph and did not stop for half a mile as it hit other vehicles. The exact speed of the 18-wheeler is not yet known.

Viera said traffic was already completely stopped when the 18-wheeler crashed into the other truck, which slowed it down.

Witnesses described seeing cars in shambles and the injured lying on the road.


https://www.kxan.com/news/at-least-four-killed-in-multi-vehicle-crash-on-interstate-35-in-north-austin/
Arrest made after crash kills at least 5 people, shuts down I-35 in north Austin
by: Katie Bosnjak, Brianna Hollis, Valentina Misas, Julianna Russ
Posted: Mar 14, 2025 / 12:51 AM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.

Police sources confirmed with KXAN the driver of an Amazon truck was arrested related to the crash, which was near Parmer and Howard Lane. According to sources, the person arrested was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily injury.

A first responder source said preliminary evidence showed an Amazon truck caused the crash. KXAN has requested a comment from Amazon.


https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/man-arrested-charged-with-intoxication-manslaughter-in-fatal-17-car-collision-on-i-35
Man arrested, charged with intoxication manslaughter in fatal 17-car collision on I-35
by Tara Brolley
Fri, March 14th 2025 at 12:24 PM

AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities have arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with Thursday night's 17-vehicle crash on I-35 that left five people dead, including an infant and a child.

Solomun Weldekeal Araya faces five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, according to the Austin Police Department. He is currently in custody at the Travis County Jail.

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