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Driver Using Cell Phone Causes 11 Fatalities in Crash Near Munfordville

September 15, 2011 - Munfordville, Ky. - According to information released Tuesday, September 13, a truck driver was using his cell phone when his tractor trailer collided with another vehicle, killing 11 people.

WHAS11 reports that Kenneth Laymon, 45, of Jasper, made an outgoing call on his cell phone just before the accident occurred.

The accident occurred on March 26, 2010, on Interstate 65. Laymon lost control of the tractor trailer, causing it to cross into the opposite lanes of traffic, where it collided with a van. Both vehicles immediately caught fire.

Twelve members of a Mennonite family, who were on their way to a wedding in Iowa, were in the van at the time of the accident. Only 2 young children in safety seats survived the crash.

Laymon and the remaining 10 people died at the scene.

Investigators discovered that Laymon had been using his cell phone to talk and text for hours preceding the accident. They concluded that the phone call was the distraction that caused the accident. Fatigue may have also been a factor.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 Kentucky Crash Statistics, there were 791 fatalities as a result of traffic accidents in Kentucky.

As a service to our readers, we will occasionally publish blogs about serious or fatal traffic accidents in our region. We do this to raise awareness of the types of conditions and factors that commonly lead to severe injuries or death as a result of Kentucky vehicle accidents.

If you or loved one was mentioned in this blog and you would like for it to be removed, please contact us and we will accommodate your request.

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