5 dead, 11 injured after 17-vehicle pileup in Austin; Suspect in custody
A man is in jail and facing multiple charges of intoxication manslaughter in connection with a crash that killed five people and injured 11 others in Austin.
The crash happened 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 building.
Austin police said 17 vehicles were involved, including a semi-truck. Initial reports from officials said several people were pinned to their vehicles.
Five people were found dead on the scene, including one adult, a child and an infant. Eleven others were taken to hospitals.
Two hospitalized adults had life-threatening injuries, officials said.
Austin police said they arrested Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37. He has been charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.
Austin is about 200 miles south of Dallas.
APD has victim services counselors available for those who may want support due to the crash. Victims can call 512-974-5037 or email victim.services@austintexas.gov for help.