Tractor trailer driver pleads in deadly pile-up

BY STACI WILSON

 

The tractor trailer driver who caused a seven car pile-up that left one man dead in a July 2012 crash on Interstate 81 pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Friday in Susquehanna County Court.

Samba Doucoure, 43, of Greensboro, N.C., entered the first degree misdemeanor plea in front President Judge Kenneth Seamans. Doucoure faces up to five years in prison on the count.

District Attorney Jason Legg told the court that Doucoure was traveling at a high rate of speed as he approached a construction zone in Lenox Twp. and was unable to stop his vehicle in a timely manner.

A rear collision into one vehicle set off a chain reaction that left Brian Wilcox, 56, of Lutherville, Md., dead.

Legg said the tractor trailer was “out of maintenance” at the time of the crash.

According to court documents, a mechanical inspection of the vehicle by Pennsylvania State Police MCEO Rian Stann, revealed several violations.

Stann also found that the brakes on axles two and three were inoperable; the brakes on axle four were out of adjustment; the right brake of axle five was inoperable and the left brake was out of adjustment.

Casing ply was showing on tires and steel belts were showing on one tire.

Doucoure is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Nov. 21.