Delaware County, Ohio — Three people died April 11 after a northbound semitrailer triggered a nine-vehicle pileup on Interstate 71 near U.S. 36/State Route 37.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2006 Freightliner failed to stop for construction-slowed traffic on northbound I-71 and struck a stopped vehicle, causing a chain-reaction crash.
Authorities said the victims were Lynnea Soposki, 36; her husband, Luke Soposki, 37; and their 1-year-old son, Logan, who were in a Chevrolet Silverado. Three others were injured.
Prosecutors said driver Modu F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, faces three counts of aggravated vehicular manslaughter. Court records state a witness estimated the truck's speed at about 70 mph, and Ohio Department of Transportation camera video showed no apparent attempt to brake or take evasive action.
According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration roadside inspection records, Ngom was cited March 25 for an antilock braking system malfunction. An inspection earlier on April 11 identified an air brake violation that placed the truck out of service. Federal data do not determine whether those mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
Ohio business filings show Ngom owns M F W Carrier, a one-truck interstate company formed in April 2023. Federal data show two of the company's three inspections resulted in out-of-service orders.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's Motor Carrier Enforcement Division are investigating. Authorities did not immediately release additional information on lane closures or towing.