A Hempfield man was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of a fiery wrong-way crash on Interstate 70 that involved three tractor-trailers, according to state police.
Daniel W. Oliver, 80, was arraigned Tuesday on charges of risking a catastrophe, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and several summary offenses.
Troopers said Oliver was behind the wheel of a westbound Kia Sorento that got onto the eastbound side of the highway around 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 10. The SUV pinballed between the three eastbound tractor-trailers during the high-speed violent crash around a curve in the road between the New Stanton and Madison exits.
Police did not say in court papers where or how Oliver is suspected to have gotten on Interstate 70 in the wrong direction. A public information officer didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry.
Dashcam footage showed two tractor-trailers were traveling practically next to each other when bright headlights are seen coming toward them. The SUV hits one of them head-on and then collides with the second rig before hitting a third truck behind them, police have said.
The first tractor-trailer burst into flames.
Oliver and one of the tractor-trailer drivers were taken to hospitals. Oliver smelled of alcohol at the scene, according to court papers. Police said toxicology tests showed his blood alcohol concentration was .095%. The legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania is .08%.
He also had in his blood Delta-9 THC, the main cannabinoid in marijuana that produces the high, according to court papers.
The crash resulted in both directions of the highway being closed for a time and an emergency repair to the median.
Oliver’s attorney didn’t respond to a message. He is free on nonmonetary bail. A preliminary hearing is set for July 22.