The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to unravel the details of the horrific I-35 crash near North Austin that claimed five lives and left 11 individuals with injuries, some severe to life-threatening. "It is the mission of the NTSB to ensure the safety of the traveling public," NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown said during a media briefing as per CBS Austin. The incident, which occurred in a temporary work zone intended for a highway expansion project, involved an 18-wheeler that failed to brake in time, striking multiple vehicles and exacerbating the already congested traffic.
Investigators led by Kenny Bragg, a senior highway safety investigator, are meticulously documenting the crash site, utilizing unmanned aerial systems to create 3D maps of the chaotic aftermath. The team is projected to remain on site to continue their investigation for several more days. "They're more than just a statistic," Brown remarked, as reported by KVUE, emphasizing the personal impact of the crash on families and the community at large.
The truck driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. "We will also be looking into the truck driver's employment history as a commercial driver," Bragg stated, highlighting the importance of a thorough probe into Araya's background, which will cover his entire driving history, prior crashes, traffic violations, and medical records that might shed light on his capabilities behind the wheel.
In response to the dire need for blood donations for the injured, the community has shown a swell of support. More than 100 donations have been reported since the crash, with Nick Canedo of We Are Blood noting, "When a traumatic incident like this occurs is really when we need excess of donations to be able to help patients." According to Canedo in an interview with KVUE, many donors were motivated by a desire to assist in light of the tragedy.
As the investigation proceeds, the NTSB is collaborating with several agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Austin Police Department. The NTSB's commitment to preventing future incidents hinges on its ability to determine the precise causes of the crash and issue recommendations accordingly. An update on their findings is expected to be posted on the NTSB website within the next 30 days.
