Fatal I-35 crash: NTSB provides first updates on its investigation
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The National Transportation Safety Board on Saturday provided insight on its investigation into Thursday night's deadly I-35 crash in north Austin.
The crash occurred near Parmer and Howard Lanes and resulted in the death of three adults, one child and one infant, according to first responders. At least another 11 people were injured.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle along with other charges, according to the Austin Police Department.
NTSB Investigator Kenny Bragg is leading the investigation. During a news conference, he said a work zone was established at 9 p.m. on the southbound lanes at milepost 245 the night of the crash.
That work zone included closing down lanes — from three to one — and a reduction of the speed limit. As a result, Bragg said traffic congestion extended well beyond the work zone.
Bragg continued saying a truck tractor approached, failed to slow down, and struck several vehicles. This resulted in five deaths in two vehicles and multiple other injuries.
According to Bragg, the work zone was set up related to a resurfacing operation by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"There is a federal standard as to how work zones should be designed, how they should be constructed, including signage, speed reduction, lane closures. Again, this is very early, this is something that we'll look at. We'll look at what was present in the work zone and how that compares to federal guidance," Bragg said.
In addition to reviewing the work zone design and safety, Bragg said they will look at the condition of the truck tractor driver at the time of the crash. They also hope to have more information about the speed of the truck tractor soon.
Bragg said the on-scene phase of NTSB's investigation will take seven to 10 days.
NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown was also at Saturday's press conference. He emphasized how the agency is in the beginning stages of its investigation.
"Since we're just beginning our investigation, we do not have a great deal of information to report. We don't speculate or focus on liability or criminal intent. We focus on probable cause, why it happened, and how to prevent it from happening again," Brown said.
Brown also took time to remember and honor the victims and those directly impacted by the crash.
"I always say every life is important. Every family matters. And this is a difficult situation, and my heart and prayers go out to everyone involved and impacted," he said.
NTSB said it hopes to provide another press briefing on Sunday.