5 Dead, 11 Injured in Massive 17-vehicle Crash on I-35 in Austin; Driver Arrested

A man is in jail on several charges of intoxication manslaughter in connection with an Austin crash that killed five people and injured eleven more.

The collision occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday in the southbound lanes of I-35 between Howard Lane and Parmer Lane, about 10 miles north of the Texas Capitol.

Austin police claimed 17 vehicles were involved, including a semi-truck. According to initial reports from officials, some people were stuck to their vehicles.

Five persons were found deceased at the location, including an adult, a kid, and an infant. Eleven people were brought to hospitals.

Officials say two adults in the hospital suffered life-threatening injuries.

Austin police said they detained 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya. He faces five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.

Austin is roughly 200 miles south of Dallas.

Victim services counselors from APD are available to anybody who may require assistance as a result of the crash. Victims can request assistance by calling 512-974-5037 or emailing victim.services@austintexas.gov.