Driver dies in crash with tractor-trailer

One person was killed in a twovehicle collision involving a tractor-trailer on Monday evening, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

Spokesman Alfonso Zavala said the crash happened at approximately 7:05 p.m. at the intersection of East County 14th Street and South Avenue 4E.

Zavala stated that the initial investigation determined that a white 2016 Kenworth tractortrailer was traveling north on Avenue 4E when it failed to stop at the County 14th Street intersection. As a result, the tractortrailer collided with a black 2010 Dodge Charger that had been traveling east on County 14th Street.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Critical Accident Response Team and the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the investigation with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the Yuma Police Department.

“We do know the Kenworth did not stop at a marked, lit stop sign,” Zavala said. “The question is why.”

While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, several possible things could have contributed, including speed, impairment, distraction and vehicle malfunction, Zavala said.

The driver of Dodge Charger, identified as 55-year-old Charles Cordery, of Yuma, was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by the Rural/Metro Fire Department, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Kenworth, Surgit Singh, 61, of Wisconsin, was not injured in the crash.

Zavala said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision. The intersection was closed for approximately eight hours.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.yumacountysheriff.org.