An 18-wheeler driver, Zeresenay Melake, is facing serious charges in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, after a tragic crash on Interstate 81 last year. Melake has been charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle, two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle, and other related offenses. The crash occurred on July 14, 2024, when Melake's tractor-trailer veered into oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision that killed three people: 80-year-old Eileen Beck, 79-year-old John Sheltman, and 49-year-old Lieu Nguyen.
According to CBS 21 News, investigators revealed that Melake falsified his logbooks, indicating he was off duty while actually driving for 95 hours over the eight days leading up to the crash. This excessive driving is believed to have contributed to the accident. Additionally, it was discovered that the trucking company Melake worked for did not have valid insurance for the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The charges against Melake come months after a lawsuit was filed by the family of one of the victims, accusing both Melake and his employer of negligence. As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights ongoing concerns about driver fatigue and safety regulations in the trucking industry.