New Details Emerge in Deadly 18-Vehicle Crash on I-35 in North Austin

New court documents have shed light on details surrounding the tragic, multi-vehicle crash that occurred in North Austin late on the evening of March 13, 2025.

The incident, which occurred in a designated work zone, involved 18 vehicles, including two semi-trailers, two truck tractors, a box truck, and 13 passenger vehicles. Five people, including an infant and a child, were pronounced dead at the scene and 11 were transported to nearby hospitals, two with life-threatening injuries. The driver of one of the semi-trailers has been arrested and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter, along with two counts of intoxication assault.

What Happened on the Night of March 13?

At around 11:30 p.m., a commercial truck driver traveling southbound on Interstate 35 near Parmer Lane and Howard Lane crashed into more than a dozen other vehicles. The collision, which spanned about a tenth of a mile, occurred in an active work zone, where traffic had been reduced from three lanes to one.

Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic,” reporting that traffic was nearly at a standstill when a yellow truck-tractor towing a semi-trailer with an Amazon logo failed to slow down, plowing into more than a dozen vehicles. The truck continued traveling for about 500 feet after initially striking the first car, hitting several other vehicles. One witness recalled hearing a loud noise and seeing vehicles "flying behind him."

Multiple vehicles were crushed, and emergency measures were taken to remove some victims. Among those killed were two adults and two children who were inside a sedan that was struck from behind by the semi-truck, as well as a 78-year-old woman who was sitting in the back seat of a pickup truck that was also hit from behind.

About the Truck Tractor & Driver

When authorities arrived on scene, they learned from a witness that the driver of the truck tractor was attempting to leave. He was discovered attempting to hide in the cabin area of the truck and was detained. He was described by officers as having bloodshot, watery eyes and mumbled speech but said that he had not consumed any alcohol, was not taking any medications or drugs, and did not have any physical or medical issues affecting his ability to operate a motor vehicle. He also claimed to have slept through the previous night and told authorities that he had taken a three-hour nap before beginning the drive from Dallas on his way to San Antonio.

It was reported that the driver told officers he had been traveling in the middle lane when he was cut off by another driver. He stated that he tried to brake, but that the truck’s braking system failed. However, an initial inspection of the truck tractor did not uncover any issues with the vehicle’s braking system or any other defect that may have contributed to the crash.

A field sobriety test revealed that the truck driver showed multiple signs of impairment, prompting officers to determine that the driver was incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. After being arrested, he was taken to a nearby hospital where an evaluation determined he was likely under the influence of depressants.

An early investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) found that the driver in question had several hours-of-service (HOS) violations in the week leading up to the crash. It was also revealed that this was not the first time he’d had such violations; multiple past inspections found similar HOS violations, as well as dangerous moving violations while operating a commercial vehicle.

Texas Hours-of-Service Rules

In Texas, commercial drivers operating within the state are allowed to drive for up to 12 hours after completing eight consecutive hours off-duty. However, they are prohibited from driving after being on duty for 15 hours, even if they have had eight consecutive hours off. Additionally, drivers cannot exceed 70 hours of work or driving within any seven-day period, but they can reset this clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

HOS (hours-of-service) violations are incredibly dangerous because they can lead to driver fatigue, which significantly impairs reaction time, attention, and decision-making abilities. When drivers exceed the allowed hours behind the wheel, they risk becoming drowsy or even falling asleep at the wheel, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Fatigue can also lead to slower reflexes, poor judgment, and reduced awareness of road conditions, which is especially hazardous in certain environments, such as highways and work zones.

NTSB Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a preliminary investigation into the scene of the crash and is expected to remain in the area for at least a week. Investigator Kenny Bragg stated that “the design of the work zone in the roadway, that is a definite focus of this comprehensive investigation.” The investigation will look into whether the temporary work zone where the incident occurred met federal regulations for lane closures, speed reduction, and work zone signage.

The NTSB also stated that it will be looking more closely into the mechanics of the truck to determine if any defect or faulty component contributed to the crash. The driver was operating a truck registered to ZBN Transport, LLC, a for-hire carrier based in Dallas. According to the company, he was a relatively new employee, having worked for ZBN Transport for about four months prior to the incident.

The preliminary report should be available in about a month, with a final report due in about 12 to 24 months. 

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as well as all those affected by this tragic event. We'll be following the details of this investigation as they unfold.