Speed and load shift caused a fiery tractor-trailer crash off U.S. 220 that killed a driver in July, according to Roanoke police.

Investigators announced Friday that a Wilco tanker truck headed north on the Roy L. Webber Expressway about 10 p.m. July 12 was traveling between 65 and 70 mph in a zone where the posted speed limit is 55 mph.

They also said the tanker’s load shifted as it reached a curve, causing the vehicle to run off the road to the right. The truck, which was carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline, came to rest at the bottom of an embankment and caught fire.

The driver, Farrell Kantsos Jr., 24, of Fairfield, was killed in the crash.

Police said alcohol and drugs were not involved, nor were mechanical failure or other vehicles.

-- Neil Harvey