Federal authorities have arrived in Austin to investigate a crash that left five people dead and 11 hospitalized. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the truck responsible for the crash was operated by a company in Dallas. NTSB investigator Kenny Bragg stated the agency plans to survey the crash area, contact survivors for witness reports, and offer support.
The crash occurred as traffic built up behind a roadwork project, with a truck tractor failing to slow down and striking multiple vehicles. The five fatalities included three adults, a child, and an infant. The driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and assault, and is currently in custody at the Travis County Jail. Authorities are working to determine his speed at the time of the crash.
ZBN Transport LLC, the company employing Araya, stated that he had been with them for four months without any prior issues. The company conducts background checks on employees, with no red flags appearing for Araya. The NTSB is continuing to investigate the crash and working with local authorities to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The NTSB plans to remain in Austin for at least another week. As investigations continue, authorities are urging for safety precautions to prevent similar tragedies on the roads.
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