A driver who survived a fatal collision on Interstate 87 in New York state Thursday, July 18, has changed his story about what happened.
The driver who survived and was identified as Everon J. Meadows, 50, of Springfield, Massachusetts, had originally told police he had stopped to check a mechanical problem. However, police now say Meadows told them he fell asleep, and his truck hit the guardrail and rolled on its side. The truck’s cab was in the right land where it was struck by a second tractor-trailer, the drive of which died.
The New York State Police continue their investigation.
Our original story:
A truck driver died early this morning when his truck struck another tractor-trailer stopped alongside northbound Interstate 87 (the Northway) in New York state.
Both trucks caught fire in the collision near the Exit 18 overpass near Queensbury, which is north of Albany near the resort town of Lake George. The wreck occurred at about 3:30 a.m., according to a report in The Post-Star.
The driver of the truck that was stopped at the side of the interstate was out of his truck checking a mechanical issue when the second truck slammed into it from behind. He escaped serious injury. The driver of the other truck died at the scene. Neither was identified by police.
Numerous fire companies responded traffic was halted in both directions for several hours.
New York State Police continue their investigation.