18-Wheeler Crash Leaves 19 Vehicles Damaged in Austin Pile-Up

AUSTIN, Texas — An 18-wheeler driver reportedly failed to brake before crashing into stopped vehicles on I-35, causing a severe pile-up that involved 19 vehicles and left multiple injuries, including two children. The incident occurred late Thursday night, prompting a rapid response from emergency services and raising concerns related to road safety in the area.

According to an affidavit obtained by KVUE, witnesses described the truck moving at high speed before colliding with multiple cars near Tech Ridge Boulevard. Authorities reported that the driver, identified as 30-year-old Jose Araya, allegedly exhibited signs of intoxication following the crash, despite claiming he had not consumed any alcohol.

Araya’s bloodshot and watery eyes, along with slurred speech and difficulty walking, prompted police to administer a field sobriety test. Although a preliminary breathalyzer indicated a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.00, he still failed the sobriety test, showing what officers recognized as “all six” signs of intoxication, consistent with the use of central nervous system depressants.

Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as they tried to assist fellow motorists. Cynthia Hierrezuelo, whose employee was caught in the crash, said her employee helped pull people from their vehicles. “He helped some people get out of their vehicles … unfortunately saw some fatalities,” Hierrezuelo stated, expressing concern about the frequency of accidents on the freeway. “It’s horrible … there’s always an accident,” she added.

Data from the Austin Police Department reveals that the stretch of I-35 from Wells Branch Parkway to Tech Ridge Boulevard has witnessed 10 fatal crashes since 2021. The area alone sees about 200,000 vehicle trips per day, raising alarms about the increasing danger to drivers.

In a statement, Texans for Lawsuit Reform addressed the potential legal implications stemming from the crash, labeling it a “horrible tragedy.” The group emphasized that pending legislation designed to limit lawsuits against trucking companies would not hinder victims from seeking justice. “Bills filed in this session … will help reduce meritless lawsuits,” added TLR President Lee Parsley.

This crash coincides with ongoing discussions in the Texas Legislature regarding trucking industry regulations, highlighting the balancing act between road safety and legal repercussions for commercial transportation.

As the investigation continues, community leaders urge heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such incidents from recurring. “With these kinds of speeds and disregard for safety, we are placing lives at risk,” said Hierrezuelo, calling for action to improve safety measures on the roads.