AUSTIN, Texas — The names of three of the five people killed in a crash on Interstate 35 late Thursday night have been released.
Seventeen people and 17 vehicles were involved in the crash on the southbound lanes of I-35 near Parmer Lane. Three adults, one child and a baby all died at the scene. Eleven other people were taken to hospitals with injuries.
Now the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the identities of the three adults who died: 32-year-old Sergieo Daniel Lopez, 25-year-old Natalia Helena Perez and 78-year-old Ma Concepcion Joaquin De Joaquin. Officials have not released the names of the child and baby who were killed.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the crash?
Following the crash, the Austin Police Department (APD) confirmed that 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya has been charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter for each person killed. He’s also facing two charges of intoxication assault.
Investigators believe Araya was under the influence of central nervous system (CNS) depressants when his truck failed to slow down for traffic, plowing through more than a dozen vehicles. According to court documents, Araya was confronted by other drivers after allegedly trying to run away after the crash. Police later found him hiding in the cab of his truck.
He remains in the Travis County Jail with a bond set at $1.2 million.
Resources for victims
Austin police has made assistance available to anyone following the crash. Those in need of support may contact APD Victim Services counselors by calling 512-974-5037 or by emailing [email protected].
The Texas Attorney General’s Office also offers the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program to help cover expenses after a crime, including medical bills, counseling and lost wages. To see if you qualify for the program, you can explore their portal here and apply for the program online or by mail.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it’s coordinating with police on a safety investigation regarding the crash.