I-35 crash lawsuits: Amazon denies allegations, bond hearing set
Share and Follow


AUSTIN (KXAN) The suspect accused of causing the deaths of five people in a deadly pileup on Interstate 35 in north Austin last month is set for a bond hearing, according to online records.

Solomun Weldekeal-Araya, 37, will appear in court on April 30, according to Travis County’s online criminal docket. He currently faces six counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault.

Five people were killed and 11 others injured in the crash on March 13 on I-35 near Parmer Lane. Weldekeal-Araya was working for a third-party carrier hauling a load for Amazon when police said he crashed into nearly stopped traffic in a construction zone, according to an arrest affidavit.

The suspect’s attorney, Bristol Myers, previously asked for his bond to be reduced to $1 in each case, citing a “lack of probable cause.” Toxicology lab reports obtained by KXAN showed no drugs or alcohol were found in Weldekeal-Araya’s system.

The report shows the suspect was tested for a range of inhalant drugs, as well as alcohol. The expanded drug screen and blood alcohol test requested is capable of screening for up to 138 substances, including common drugs like fentanyl and cocaine, according to NMS’ lab test catalog. It’s unclear whether Weldekeal-Araya was tested for all 138 substances.

At the scene of the crash, an APD officer conducted standardized and additional field sobriety tests, according to an affidavit. The officer observed Weldekeal-Araya as not being able to keep balance during instructions, improperly turning, doing the wrong number of steps and swaying while balancing. Officers also indicated Weldekeal-Araya’s eyes were “bloodshot and watery,” according to the affidavit.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. In a preliminary report, the NTSB said Weldekeal-Araya’s tractor truck failed to slow down as he approached slowing traffic. The suspect hit two vehicles at first, then continued driving into the queue of traffic for 0.1 miles, according to the NTSB report.

Amazon denies allegations in I-35 crash lawsuits

There are currently four active lawsuits related to the crash on behalf of various victims. The suits target Weldekeal-Arraya, Amazon, ZBN Transport LLC – the third-party trucking company Weldekeal-Araya worked for and Pulice Construction, which controlled the temporary work zone near where the crash happened.

In the last week, ZBN and Amazon have filed initial responses to the lawsuits.

Amazon’s response opens by stating the company “generally denies each and every allegation [and] cause of action.”

While Amazon did not employ Weldekeal-Araya, the plaintiffs’ arguments allege Amazon still had a hand in allowing him to drive an Amazon load because of the trickle-down requirements needed for independent truckers to drive for Amazon.

Amazon’s response reiterates what its spokesperson has told KXAN since the day of the crash: “Weldekeal-Araya was not an employee, borrowed employee, or agent of [Amazon].” Amazon also claims the crash was a “sudden emergency and unavoidable accident.” The company has requested a jury trial related to the suit.

In contrast to Amazon’s denial of all claims, ZBN Transport LLC “requests a determination of percentage of responsibility,” between all parties determined to be at fault. The company has previously told KXAN it does not have any further comment on this case. We have reached out to ZBN’s attorneys as well as an Amazon spokesperson for additional comment and will update this story if we receive a response.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Clarifications to CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's travel, security expenses

Unveiling the Details: CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s Travel and Security Expenses Explained

In an update to a previous investigation, 7 On Your Side provides…
Boyfriend charged with leaving girlfriend to freeze to death on Austria’s highest mountain

Man Faces Charges After Girlfriend Left to Freeze on Austria’s Tallest Peak

An experienced mountaineer is facing charges after allegedly leaving his girlfriend to…
Loyola New Orleans TPUSA chapter denied again after 'absolutely appalling' student government meeting: student

Controversial Denial: Loyola New Orleans TPUSA Chapter Faces Rejection Amid Heated Student Government Debate

The student government at Loyola University has once again rejected a bid…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell moved to new prison amid fight over answers, immunity

Judge Mandates Release of Epstein Case Grand Jury Documents

A federal judge in Florida has approved the Justice Department’s petition to…
Chicago fire: Large fire breaks out in 8600 block of West Foster Avenue near O'Hare Airport, CFD says

Blaze Erupts Near O’Hare Airport: Firefighters Respond to Incident on West Foster Avenue

A fire erupted on Friday afternoon in the vicinity of O’Hare Airport,…
Chicago crime: Marquis Terry charged in kidnapping; alert issued for robberies in Little Village, Humboldt Park, Logan Square

Chicago Crime Update: Marquis Terry Faces Kidnapping Charges; Urgent Alert for Robberies Across Little Village, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square

CHICAGO — According to Chicago police, a man has been charged in…
Local lawmakers waiting to see video of deadly US boat strike near Venezuela; legal experts label it 'war crime'

Local Lawmakers Await Release of Video from Fatal US Boat Incident Near Venezuela; Legal Experts Discuss Potential ‘War Crime’ Implications

In recent developments, the U.S. military’s lethal operations against suspected drug trafficking…
Cruise ship death: Cheerleader’s stepmom could be forced to testify against her own son

Family Dynamics Could Clarify Investigators’ Silence in Carnival Cruise Ship Death, Legal Expert Suggests

The investigation into the tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has reached…