A semi-truck driver was arrested in Austin, Texas, on Friday for his involvement in a 17-car crash that caused five deaths, two of which were children.
The accident happened around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, when 37-year-old suspect Solomun Araya reportedly failed to brake his 18-wheeler before slamming into stopped traffic, KVUE-TV in Texas reported.
He now faces five counts of Intoxication Manslaughter and two counts of Intoxication Assault, according to Fox News.
Araya said the accident happened after a car cut in front of him.
#REPORT: Police Arrest, 37-YO Truck Driver Solomun Araya, After 17-Vehicle Crash On📍I35 In Austin Texas That Killed 5 People, Including 1 Child & 1 Infant. He Is Now Charged With 5X Intoxication Manslaughter, 2X Intoxication Assault🕊️ pic.twitter.com/WbsUnTjWFv
— 401_da_sarpanch (@401_da_sarpanch) March 14, 2025
He denied having consumed any alcohol, and although he had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.00, he reportedly failed a field sobriety exam and showed all the signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, mumbled speech and a swaying walk.
“It’s horrible … there’s always an accident,” said Cynthia Hierrezuelo, whose employee witnessed the accident. “It’s just people speeding down the freeway, people being inconsiderate. People are just zooming by