The driver of an 18-wheeler was arrested and charged with DUI and manslaughter in Oregon after crashing his truck Thursday right into a Ford Econoline van and 18-wheeler, killing seven.

Suspect Lincoln Smith, 52, of North Highlands, California, was driving his truck going northbound on Interstate 5 at round 2:06 p.m. PDT Thursday. 

Mr. Smith is accused of leaving the highway and going into the shoulder, hanging a Ford Econoline van carrying 11 folks, most of whom had been agricultural staff. 

The power of the preliminary collision then sandwiched the van right into a second 18-wheeler, which was parked. Witnesses claimed the truck had been weaving on and off the highway, and that brakes weren't utilized earlier than the crash, in accordance to the Statesman Journal newspaper.

Of the eleven folks contained in the van, six had been pronounced useless on the scene, and the seventh died whereas being transported by helicopter to the hospital. The remaining 4 are nonetheless hospitalized. The driver of the parked 18-wheeler was unhurt.

Mr. Smith refused a subject sobriety take a look at, and was in possession of meth and inhalants on the time of the crash, in line with the Statesman Journal.

The Oregon State Police haven't but launched the identities of the victims.

Mr. Smith was initially transported for medical therapy, and has since been charged with DUI, reckless driving, seven counts of second-degree manslaughter, and three counts of third-degree assault.

Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com