AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Federal officials with the National Transportation Safety Board gave an update Saturday on their investigation into a deadly crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin late Thursday night.
Investigator Kenny Bragg, who is leading the NTSB's efforts, said investigators are looking at the construction work zone that was put into place the night of the crash, beginning around 9 p.m. Thursday.
Bragg said lanes were reduced from three down to one; speed limits were also reduced in the area.
Investigators say a tractor trailer approached that work zone, failed to slow down, and struck several vehicles. That crash - which ended up involving 17 vehicles - killed five people in two of those vehicles, as well as causing multiple other injuries.
“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.
Bragg said the agency's on-scene investigation is expected to take 7-10 days, with a preliminary report expected to be released within 30 days. A final report with the full results of the investigation could take two years to complete.
NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown was also present for Saturday's briefing.
“This is a difficult situation, and my heart and prayers go out to everyone involved,” Brown said.
Austin Police have arrested 37-year old Solomun Weldekeal Araya in connection with the crash; he's facing five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.
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According to an arrest affidavit, police believe Araya was driving while under the influence of depressants.