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Truck Driver Could Face Prison Time for Fatal Colorado Crash

A truck driver has been charged with vehicular manslaughter for causing a fatal crash while barreling down a steep grade along Interstate 70 in Colorado at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour.

May 6, 2019
Truck Driver Could Face Prison Time for Fatal Colorado Crash

Truck driver Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos could face prison time for causing a 28-car crash in Colorado that resulted in four deaths.

Photo via West Metro Fire

1 min to read


Truck driver Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos has been charged with vehicular manslaughter for causing a fatal crash while barreling down a steep grade along Interstate 70 in Colorado at speeds exceeding 80 m.p.h., according to a Denver-Post report.

Aguilera-Mederos lost control of his truck while traveling on a steep stretch of I-70 in the Rocky Mountains. He told prosecutors that his brakes failed, resulting in a 28-car pileup that killed four people and injured six more.

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While it is not believed that the crash was intentional, prosecutors still decided to charge Aguilera-Mederos with vehicular manslaughter - a charge usually levied against drivers who were under the influence. They argue that he showed extreme indifference, driving recklessly and without regard for others' lives.

A particularly damning video of Aguilera-Mederos’ truck moments before the accident shows the truck swerving down the highway at speeds in excess of 80 m.p.h., passing by a runaway ramp that could have prevented the tragedy.

When combined with other charges against Aguilera-Mederos could be facing decades in prison.

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Aguilera-Mederos’ lawyer said that the charges are an example of prosecutorial overreach and maintains that the accident was the result of a mechanical malfunction.

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