Driver indicted on 22 charges for fatal I-35 multi-vehicle wreck

The driver involved in a fatal crash on I-35 in March has been formally charged with 22 offenses. A Travis County grand jury has indicted Solomun Weldekeal Araya on five counts of manslaughter related to the individuals who lost their lives in the incident, as well as multiple aggravated assault charges involving 17 victims who sustained injuries. The cases against Araya will proceed in the 427th District Court for Travis County. District Attorney José Garza expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and emphasized that an independent group of Travis County citizens reviewed the evidence, finding probable cause to believe that Araya's actions were unlawful. The crash, which involved 18 vehicles and resulted in multiple casualties, occurred on a section of I-35 in North Austin near Parmer Lane and Howard Lane. Araya, who was operating a truck tractor, was implicated in the collision after reportedly failing to slow down and causing significant damage along the highway. Authorities found no mechanical issues with the truck tractor that could have contributed to the accident. Araya was arrested at the scene and later tested positive for substances impairing his ability to drive safely, leading to his detention on charges including driving while intoxicated. The crash prompted a significant lawsuit filed against Araya, the transportation company he worked for, and Amazon. Eyewitness accounts, such as Kendrick's, provide valuable insights into the harrowing events of that tragic evening.