NTSB Helps OHP Investigate Turnpike Accident

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says no problem has been found with the brakes on a big rig that plowed into stalled cars in a turnpike accident that killed 10 people.

Patrol Captain Craig Medcalf said Tuesday the truck's brake pads were examined and they seemed in good condition.

Authorities say it appears the truck driven by 76-year-old Donald Creed didn't slow before it ran into traffic Friday that had stopped for an earlier accident on the Will Rogers Turnpike near Miami.

Meanwhile, a team from the National Transportation Board joined local highway patrol investigators looking into the accident.

Their investigators will concentrate on roadway design plans, company and driver records. They will also be examining the passenger vehicles with what a public affairs officer with NTSB called "an emphasis on survivable space."

6/29/2009 Related story: Deadly Turnpike Crash Leaves Many Dealing With Grief