Trial Ordered for Truck Driver in Fatal Pennsylvania Crash

The driver of a tractor-trailer that hit an eastern Pennsylvania overpass last fall, sending a cargo container into the path of another vehicle, killing the driver, has been ordered to stand trial on charges including homicide by vehicle.

Three state police troopers testified Monday at a preliminary hearing for Robert Kostadinov, of Chicago.

Police say the container being hauled by the defendant from California to New Jersey exceeded the legal height of 13 feet, 6 inches when it hit the overpass on Route 22 in Whitehall Township early Nov. 18. The container struck the vehicle driven by 42-year-old Michele LaMaze, who died at the scene.

District Judge Robert C. Halal of Whitehall ordered Kostadinov to stand trial on charges of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and careless driving.