Driver in Massachusetts Tanker Truck Fire Goes to Trial

Opening statements are scheduled in the trial of a Holyoke man accused of causing an accident that sparked a fuel tanker truck fire and caused the death of its driver.

Victor Aponte Jr.’s trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, a day after jury selection was completed in Hampden Superior Court.

The Republican newspaper reports that Aponte’s attorney tried unsuccessfully at a hearing Monday to prevent prosecutors from using a statement he made to state police after the March 2008 crash on Interstate 91 in Chicopee.

Aponte has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say Aponte was speeding when he merged onto I-91, setting off a chain reaction crash that resulted in a massive fire and the death of trucker Aaron Staelens of Richmond, N.H.

Prosecutors also allege Aponte’s car had mechanical problems he was aware of.