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Charge downgraded against Quebec man in fatal 64-car pileup in Wyoming

Authorities have dropped an aggravated vehicular homicide charge against a Quebec truck driver involved in a fiery chain-reaction crash in southeast Wyoming that killed two people.

Quebecer initially charged with aggravated vehicular homicide now faces lesser charge, $60-fine

The Associated Press ·

RAW: Fiery Wyoming crash

Montreal

6 years ago
0:41
Quebecer charged after deadly 59-car pileup in Wyoming 0:41

Authorities have dropped an aggravated vehicular homicide charge against a Canadian truck driver involved in a fiery chain-reaction crash in southeast Wyoming that killed two people.

Police say Alex Dragaytsev was probably driving too fast when he rear-ended another truck on the highway. (Albany County Detention Centre)
Instead, 45-year-old Alex Dragaytsev has been cited for failure to use caution for hazardous conditions. The charge carries a $60 fine.

Albany County prosecuting attorney Peggy Trent says the resident of Longueuil, Que. has been released from custody.

Trent says the evidence currently doesn't support the more severe charge, but the crash remains under investigation.

The pileup happened around 8 a.m. Monday about 30 kilometres west of Laramie in dense fog and light slush.

More than 60 vehicles were involved, including a tanker containing flammable liquid that caught fire. 

Traffic was shut down for about 160 kilometres in both directions.

In this photo provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, smoke rises following the aftermath of a chain-reaction crash along Interstate 80 near Laramie, Wyo., on Monday. (Wyoming Highway Patrol/AP)

With files from CBC

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