North Dakota Highway Patrol Investigation rules out mechanical error in I-94 fatal crash

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Mapleton, ND) -- Police are saying that a mechanical issue is not to blame for a deadly semi-truck crash near Mapleton.

The fiery wreck occurred in March, when semi-truck driver Yuhai Zhu stopped his truck on I-94 near Mapleton, causing 72-year-old Randall Buxton to crash into the back of the vehicle. Buxton died, and Zhu was charged with negligent homicide and reckless endangerment, though he claims that a mechanical problem caused him to stop his truck. However, a Highway Patrol inspection found no indication of mechanical issues. Zhu faces up to five years in prison for each charge. 

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