Truck driver arrested in connection with I-35 pileup that killed 5

Solomun Weldekeal ArayaAustin Police DepartmentA truck driver has been arrested in connection with a 17-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas Thursday night in which five people were killed and at least 11 others were injured, several seriously.

Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was arrested on five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, according to Austin Police. Araya is said to have driven into a line of stopped vehicles on southbound. I-35. The pileup happened at about 11:30 p.m. near Palmer Lane and Howard Lane.

The fatalities included three adults, one child and and an infant. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

Of the 11 people who were taken to local hospitals, five of had life-threatening or potentially life-threatening injuries, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. One adult refused transportation.

It appears a second tractor-trailer and a box truck were among the vehicles struck in the collision.

A section of southbound I-35 was closed overnight and well into Friday.

Police continue their investigation.