KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges in connection with a fatal 4-vehicular crash that occurred on Highway 71 this week in Kansas City during rush hour.
Eldar Skander, 39. faces three counts of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. He is also being held for Immigration and Custom Enforcement, according to online jail records.
Investigators reported a Volvo semi driven by Skander failed to slow down and stop for congested traffic ahead on Bruce R. Watkins/ U.S. 71 Highway at 19th Street in Kansas City.
The semi struck three vehicles causing a major traffic incident during rush hour. The driver of a blue Honda CR-V was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition. The driver of a black Ford SUV was also transported to an area hospital and is listed in stable condition.
The driver of a gray Honda minivan sustained critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Three passengers traveling in the Honda minivan died as a result of the crash.
The two brothers, 9-year-old Louis Sorbalo and 6-year-old Samir Sorbalo died at the scene. Their mother, 35-year-old Olga Sorbalo, died of her injuries at the hospital, according to KCPD Captain Jake Bechina.
The remaining two passengers sustained critical injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Skander was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries before he was booked into jail. Accident investigators recovered an electronic tablet from the floorboard of Skander's vehicle with the YouTube app open.
The accident remains under investigation.