Driver of Oil Pipe Truck Charged in Arkansas Death

The driver of an oil field truck has been charged with negligent homicide for the death of a 95-year-old woman who was killed when she drove into a length of pipe that protruded behind the rig.

Authorities on Friday arrested 51-year-old Edward J. Hammond of El Dorado. In addition to the negligent homicide count, he’s charged with driving on a suspended license and having no liability insurance.

The El Dorado News-Times reports the crash occurred Oct. 12. The main charge was upgraded after 95-year-old Eleanor Johnson died Oct. 28.

Police say the pipe wasn’t secured to the vehicle, it wasn’t flagged and there were no lights on the trailer.

Johnson drove into the pipe as Hammond was turning into the driveway of his residence.