Missouri Truck Driver Allegedly Had YouTube Open on Tablet When He Crashed Into Car and Killed Mom, 2 Kids
Eldar Skander is accused of three counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.
Nov. 12 2026, Published 2:30 p.m. ET
A semi-truck driver failed to stop for over 20 seconds before he allegedly smashed into the back of a car carrying a mother and her two sons, RadarOnline.com can report.
Eldar Skander, 39, was apparently preoccupied with the tablet he had, which was open on YouTube, as he was driving down a Missouri highway. He is accused of three counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of Olga Sorbalo, 35, and her sons Luis, 8, and Samir, 4.
Crash Details
Eldar Skander allegedly Youtube displayed on the tablet in front of him before he crashed into Olga Sorbalo and her boys.
The accident took place on Monday, November 9, at around 3:20 pm on U.S. Highway 71 near E. 19th Street in Kansas City. Skander had been driving before slamming into a Honda Odyssey, which had seven people inside, including the victims; two were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Odyssey caused a chain reaction, further involving a Honda CR-V, a Ford Explorer, and a FedEx truck. The drivers of the other two cars were critically injured.
The van's other passengers included Sorbalo's husband, his two sisters, and a two-year-old who suffered serious injuries, and the driver and passenger, who were rushed to a hospital.
Police Found the Tablet on the Truck Floor
Police found the tablet on the truck's floor.
During their on-scene investigation, police found the tablet on the floor with the YouTube app still open. It had been mounted in the driver's view on the center console.
According to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office, the semi showed no signs of emergency braking. It was determined that if Skander had been going the speed limit, there would've been a 20-22 second window to catch the vehicles stopped in front of him. However, no evidence indicated he hit the brakes.
Police are continuing to analyze the truck's data and review any camera footage nearby that could've captured the accident.
Olga Sorbalo's Brother Remembers Her Faithfully
Sorbalo's large family grew up in the church with their pastor father.
The family had been visiting relatives in Kansas City and was on their way to the airport at the time to fly home to Vancouver, Washington. Sorbalo was one of 14 kids raised by a pastor father.
Cosovan says Sorbalo was one of fourteen kids and that their father is a local pastor in Vancouver, Washington. He says their faith is what's giving them strength to get through this difficult time. Eli Cosovan, Sorbalo's brother, says the family's faith is keeping them together through this difficult time.
"She always preferred to be on the positive side of things, and that's how she'll be remembered," said Cosovan. "We have our comfort in knowing that they are with Jesus, and we know that it was for a reason. We don't know what reason or why, but at least we have that comfort and hope."
Eldar Skander Has An Additional Hold for ICE
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Skander faces three charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.
A Jackson County judge has set Skander's bond to $150,000, cash only. He is also being held on an ICE detainer. On Wednesday, November 11, the department's official X account posted that he was illegally here from Ukraine.
"Reckless open-border policies have resulted in countless preventable tragedies," the department wrote. "Three more innocent American lives were lost. Two children who will never get to grow up, and a mother who will never get to watch them grow. These deaths were tragic and preventable. No other family should have to endure this loss."
A GoFundMe has been started to help raise money for funeral expenses and assist the family with any financial needs they may have during this troubling time.
