Alleged drug use by truck driver in deadly I-35 crash, as per affidavit.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — According to the arrest affidavit, the individual identified as the driver of the semi-truck involved in a crash on Interstate 35 last week, which resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to 11 others, was allegedly impaired by drugs. The Austin Police Department named the driver as Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, who is facing charges related to intoxication manslaughter and assault with a vehicle. The incident occurred near Parmer and Howard Lane, involving multiple vehicles, including tractors, trailers, and passenger cars. Eyewitnesses reported that the semi-truck failed to slow down in traffic, causing a devastating chain reaction. The crash led to multiple fatalities, including a 78-year-old woman and a baby, among others. The driver was found hiding in the truck after attempting to leave the scene. Field tests and investigations indicated that he was under the influence of CNS depressants, which impaired his ability to drive safely. The driver had a history of violations related to driving hours and operational safety while driving commercial vehicles. The carrier company, ZBN Transport LLC, where the driver worked, mentioned he had passed a background check, but did not provide further comments on the violations. Public information requests have been submitted to obtain more details on the driver's violations and the company's compliance record.