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County Journal, 3/24/04 - Mar. 23, 2004

Route 7 collision kills Ripton man

A Ripton man was killed Tuesday morning when his pickup collided with a tractor-trailer hauling limestone on Route 7 in Salisbury.

Charles LaPlant, 55, was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington after the crash and later died from his injuries, according to Vermont State Police in Middlebury.

Richard Fredette, 38, of Rutland, the driver of the tractor-trailer truck, was treated at Porter Hospital in Middlebury and released, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday night.

Police said the crash took place around 10 a.m. as LaPlante was driving a 1991 Dodge pickup north on Route 7 in Salisbury near the Middlebury town line.

Police said the initial investigation shows LaPlant crossed the center line into the path of the tractor-trailer heading south on Route 7.

The tractor-trailer, driven by Fredette, was hauling limestone.

Police said Fredette steered the tractor-trailer to the right and LaPlante continued into the southbound lane. The front of the pickup then struck the left rear tires of the tractor-trailer, police said.

LaPlante's pickup was destroyed in the crash. The tractor-trailer sustained damage to several axles and had three tires blow out.

Police said the investigation is continuing and anyone with information about the crash is asked to call 388-4919.