Survivors and relatives of victims involved in a deadly highway pileup in Ohio are blaming a truck driver they say failed to slow down in backed-up traffic, leading to a devastating crash that killed three members of the same family.
Authorities say truck driver Modou Ngom, who is also reportedly known as Lamine Gaye, was driving a semitruck on Interstate 71 on April 11 when the crash happened near the Tanger Outlets Columbus mall.
Following the incident, Ngom was indicted on three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and four counts of vehicular assault.
Investigators Say Truck Failed to Stop
According to investigators, traffic had slowed in a construction zone near the U.S. 36 and State Route 37 interchange shortly before 6:30 p.m.
Officials allege that Ngom failed to stop his truck while approaching the backed-up traffic.
Traffic camera footage reportedly showed several vehicles moving slowly in the right lane before a white semitruck slammed into them. At least one vehicle immediately burst into flames after impact.
Authorities said the truck continued into the median while pushing multiple vehicles off the roadway.
Nine Vehicles Involved in the Collision
Officials said a total of nine vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash.
The victims who died were identified as 37-year-old Luke Soposki, 36-year-old Lynnea Soposki, and their 1-year-old son, Logan.
Several other people were also injured in the collision.
Family Files Lawsuit Against Driver
The administrator of the Soposki family estate has now filed a lawsuit against Ngom.
The lawsuit accuses the truck driver of acting with a “conscious disregard” for the safety of others on the road despite allegedly knowing there was a serious risk of causing major harm.
The complaint further claims the crash caused severe emotional suffering, grief, and lasting trauma for surviving family members.
Emotional Impact Continues for Survivors
According to the legal filing, relatives of the victims continue to experience mental anguish and emotional pain following the tragedy.
The lawsuit seeks accountability for the deaths and injuries caused by the crash, which family members believe could have been prevented if the truck had slowed down in time.
