A Texas truck driver was indicted on manslaughter and assault charges after a deadly 2025 I-35 crash that killed five, including two children.

A 37-year-old truck driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including five counts of manslaughter and 15 to 17 counts of aggravated assault, in connection with a deadly I-35 crash in Austin on March 13, 2025. The multi-vehicle collision, which occurred in a construction zone and involved 17 to 18 vehicles, killed five people, including two children, and injured 11 to 17 others. Initial intoxication charges were dropped after toxicology tests found no drugs or alcohol in Araya’s system. Investigators found no mechanical issues with the truck but noted prior violations in his driving records. The Travis County grand jury found probable cause that Araya’s actions were unlawful, leading to the indictment. His attorney criticized the process, calling it an effort to criminalize a tragic accident. The case will proceed in Travis County’s 427th District Court.