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Truck Flies Off Highway Overpass, Injures Driver Of Car Below; Charges Filed

November 18, 2005

The driver of a truck that tumbled off an overpass of Interstate 25 onto a car below was charged with two misdemeanors. Antonio Rodriguez Oronia, 55, of Denver, was cited for careless driving resulting in injury and failure to comply with commercial vehicle minimum safety standards.

Oronia was allegedly driving north on I-25 near Belleview Avenue about 11 a.m. when he apparently lost control of his dump truck on the overpass. The truck went through concrete barriers and fell on top of a Lexus being driven by Sidney Levin, 78, of Greenwood Village. Levin was listed in critical condition at Swedish Medical Center. Oronia was taken to the same hospital and was treated and released. He could not be reached for comment.

Police said they have received conflicting accounts on what caused the accident. 'He says that somebody cut him off from the right, but one witness said that he was cut off from the left, so there were conflicting statements,' said officer Sarah Malafronte with Greenwood Village police. Oronia, who was in the third lane on the five-lane highway, apparently tried to stop, but due to faulty brakes, crossed two lanes before crashing through the barrier. 'The brakes were out of adjustment,' said Malafronte. 'The right side was braking more effectively than on the left side, so he spun.' It was unknown how fast Oronia was going but it was believed it was within the speed limit.

Family and friends of Levin are trying to be optimistic about his prognosis. 'Things are so iffy right now,' said Angie Norkus, manager of the Buckhorn Exchange. 'We're just praying for him and his family. We love him very much.' Levin, 78, has been one of the owners of the famed Denver restaurant since 1978. 'He was very active with the restaurant,' said Norkus. 'He does a lot of the marketing and he comes in every day for lunch.'

Levin's family declined to be interviewed but released a statement. 'We want to again thank the community for their outpouring of support following Sid's (our father and husband) accident,' read the statement. 'Those who know Sid will appreciate his exceptional faith, personal strength and character continue to serve him during this difficult time. We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers over the next few days.'

More information about the Commerce City-based S & S Trucking and Construction company revealed a history of violations for improper maintenance of its vehicles. In 2002, the company received an 'unsatisfactory' safety rating from the Colorado State Patrol's Motor Carrier Safety Section. The company also got fined $2,000 last year for a 2002 infraction in which a driver was found to be driving without a commercial vehicle license. Luis Sandoval, the owner of S & S Trucking and Construction, could not be reached for comment.