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Driver that crossed median in fatal I-70 crash arrested for involuntary manslaughter

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A truck driver involved in a serious crash involving seven vehicles earlier this week has been arrested on involuntary manslaughter charges. 

The accident happened on Monday, August 5th in Boone County, Missouri on Interstate 70 near the business loop 70 exit. 

According to KOMU, 26-year-old Walter J. Montejo was driving his commercial vehicle in the left lane of the interstate when he failed to maintain his lane and struck a car, sending it spinning off the right side of the road. Montejo then overcorrected into the concrete median barrier and crashed over it, hitting an oncoming SUV that spun out of control. Two pickup trucks then went airborne and overturned before Montejo hit a U-Haul head-on. 

Two women in the U-haul died from the accident. A total of seven vehicles were involved in the chain reaction crash. Montejo also sustained moderate injuries in the accident. 

Witnesses say Montejo was driving at high speeds in the passing lane at the time of the wreck. Montejo’s license was also suspended at the time of the crash under Missouri’s Administrative Alcohol law. 

Montejo was booked into Boone County Jail at around 7:15 p.m on Wednesday, August 7th after being removed from the hospital in good condition. He is facing two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, one count of second degree assault, and driving with a suspended license. 

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