Mother of 11 among victims killed in north Austin I-35 crash
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the investigation continues into the the deadly 18-vehicle pileup on I-35 in north Austin, we're learning more about those who were killed and seriously hurt.
"This is a terrible tragic, avoidable situation. Concepcion Joaquin is a mother of 11 children, grandmother of 40," said Domingo A. Garcia, the attorney representing Joaquin, who died in the crash. Garcia said her son and grandson were also in the car and seriously injured.
"She died in her 16-year-old grandson's arms," Garcia said. "So you can imagine the trauma the family has been going through."
Quick facts about the crash
Below is a summary of the deadly March 13 crash.
- Five killed, including a child and an infant
- At least 11 injured
- Driver of tractor-trailer hauling Amazon load arrested on intoxication manslaughter, assault charges
- Driver: Solomun Weldekeal-Araya, worked for third-party carrier ZBN Transport LLC
- Crash happened on I-35 southbound near Parmer and Howard in a construction zone where traffic merged from three lanes to one
Lawsuit on behalf of Joaquin and her family
The lawsuit Garcia filed is one of four current lawsuits related to the crash. It's against Araya, ZBN Transport LLC, Amazon and Pulice Construction.
"I mean, this man driving the truck charged with manslaughter, he's not the only truck driver out there high on drugs," Garcia said. "Because they get paid per load, and companies need to be held responsible."
According to Araya's arrest affidavit, investigators believe he was on some sort of depressants at the time of the crash.
Amazon said Araya was hauling an Amazon load, but was not an Amazon employee.
“This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved. We’re cooperating with all investigations," the company said in a statement. It could not comment further citing the ongoing investigation.
"It's Amazon's responsibility to verify the worthiness of the vehicles being used to deliver their products, we believe there was negligent hiring," Garcia said.
Amazon directed us to a portion of its website that lists out what Amazon requires of third-party carriers that haul Amazon loads.
Garcia said he hopes the defendants reach an agreement outside of the courtroom, so the family does not have to endure the civil legal process.
"No amount of money will bring back a grandmother or a mother, but at least there would be some closure for the family," Garcia said. "If the case stays open, this family still have to live with this, they'll have to go give depositions, they might have to speak in trial."