A tractor-trailer driver from New Jersey caused a double-fatal crash on the New York State Thruway just west of Rochester last month when he made an illegal U-turn and fled the scene, authorities said.
Quentin D. Campbell, 55, of Newark, was charged with two counts of manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, according to a log released by New York State Police.
The crash took place around 4:15 a.m. on Sept. 4 when a car driving west on the New York State Thruway in Wheatland, Monroe County struck and slid underneath a tractor-trailer trying to make a U-turn across multiple lanes of traffic, officials said.
The tractor-trailer driver — later identified as Campbell — completed the U-turn and began heading east. He pulled off at the next exit, drove into the parking lot of a nearby hotel and removed a piece of debris from the truck before continuing on his way, officials said.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the seriously injured passenger died at an area hospital hours later, New York State Police said. Both were from Tennessee.
New York State Police asked the public for help in locating the tractor-trailer following the crash, which took place near milepost 375, between exits 46 and 47.
Campbell was charged Wednesday after being extradited from New Jersey.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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