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Truck driver in fatal multi-car crash on Ohio Turnpike that killed girl, injured 7 others, charged

Posted at 10:37 AM, Aug 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-15 14:07:34-04

The truck driver who Ohio State Highway Patrol officials say caused a 10-vehicle crash that killed a 14-year-old girl on the Ohio Turnpike Sunday afternoon has been charged. 

Chavan Roosevelt Carter, 40, of Powder Springs, Georgia, is charged with vehicular assault, vehicular manslaughter and traffic control device for being in the left lane of the construction zone when he should've been in the far right lane.

The crash happened at about 2:16 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the Turnpike in Groton Township and caused an hours-long delay for drivers.

 

Investigators said Carter failed to stop with assured clear distance and hit nine vehicles that had slowed down in a construction zone, including a pickup truck and multiple SUVs and cars.

MadisonCreagan, 14, from West Shokan, N.Y. was pronounced dead at the scene. The seven injured victims were taken to Firelands Regional Medical Center and Toledo St. Vincent Hospital for treatment.

It is unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Test results are pending.