Holyoke man arraigned in tanker crash

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Holyoke man accused of causing a deadly tanker crash on Interstate 91 in Chicopee last year was back in court Wednesday facing charges related to that accident.

The tanker rolled over on the Chicopee Curve and sent a ball of fire and black smoke high into the sky in March of 2008. The driver, Franklin County native, Aaron Staelens died in the fiery wreck.

Victor Aponte pleaded not guilty to charges of motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He was released on his own recognizance Wednesday following his arraignment in Hampden County Superior Court.

Aponte was ordered to surrender his drivers license, to abstain from drugs or alcohol and to submit to random drug testing.

He faces another court appearance next week.