Traffic on Interstate 35 near Parmer Lane had slowed significantly Thursday evening as vehicles merged into a single lane due to a Texas Department of Transportation resurfacing project. Amid this slow-down, an 18-wheeler truck, operated by Dallas-area company ZBN Transport, crashed into the vehicles ahead, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction that killed five people, including an infant and a child, and impacted as many as 19 vehicles.
According to officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the truck driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, failed to reduce speed appropriately as he approached the congestion. Federal investigators, who are still determining the precise speed of the truck at the moment of impact through scene video analysis and onboard data recordings, emphasized the severity and complexity of trucking accidents and the urgent need for detailed investigation.
Personal injury lawyers stress the critical importance of immediately retaining legal counsel following trucking accidents. Given the scale and complexity of such incidents, lawyers specializing in commercial vehicle accidents swiftly deploy investigative teams to secure crucial evidence, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, onboard electronic data, and witness testimonies, before evidence is lost or compromised.
Austin police arrested Araya on five charges of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, suspecting impairment by depressants, as noted by observable signs of intoxication despite registering a 0.00 on a breath test. He remains detained in Travis County Jail pending further proceedings.
Amazon confirmed that Araya was hauling cargo for them at the time of the accident. A spokesperson expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations.
NTSB investigator Kenny Bragg emphasized the broader scope of their inquiry, highlighting the importance of identifying systemic issues beyond immediate causes, aiming to recommend safety improvements to prevent future trucking tragedies. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days, while the comprehensive final analysis may require up to two years.
Due to the complexity and high stakes involved, personal injury attorneys advocate immediate action to protect victims’ rights and interests, ensuring accountability and fostering improved trucking safety standards.
