Trial Begins for Hiram Trucker in Fatal 2013 Wreck in North Dakota

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The trial has begun in the case of the Hiram, Ga., truck driver accused in the deaths of three men after a fiery crash in North Dakota nearly two years ago.

Vernon Wright, 50, faces three counts of negligent homicide in connection with the western North Dakota crash near Stanley in June, 2013. He could serve a maximum five years for each charge if convicted.

Wright pleaded not guilty to the charges last April.

• See also: Hiram Trucker Pleads Not Guilty to Homicide in Fiery Crash That Killed 3

Wright is accused of causing the crash by driving unsafely in foggy conditions, KXNews reported. Prosecutors said Wright should have taken a truck route.

Wright was driving a tanker trailer truck filled with crude oil that exploded in a six-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 2 near Stanley.

Read more from KXNews