Illinois trucker gets probation for Nebraska crash

Associated Press - July 21, 2009 10:05 AM ET

YORK, Neb. (AP) - An Illinois trucker has been given two years' probation for his actions leading to a fiery fatal crash in southeast Nebraska.

On Monday, York County District Judge Alan Gless noted that Oleg Velichkov of Burbank, Ill., had no criminal record. He had found Velichkov guilty of misdemeanor vehicular homicide after a bench trial.

Prosecutors say Velichkov had driven onto the Interstate 80 median the night of Oct. 28, 2007. His semitrailer overturned as he returned to the roadway.

The overturned semi was hit by a rental truck, which burst into flames.

Its driver, Chaungene Ward of Memphis, died of his injuries. His passenger spent months in a burn unit.

A methamphetamine charge against Velichkov was dropped because he had not consented to a search.

Information from: York News-Times, http://www.yorknewstimes.com