Amazon denies allegations in I-35 crash lawsuits; suspect set for bond hearing

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.

I-35 crash lawsuits: Amazon denies allegations

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.