Nearly a month after a deadly and fiery crash in Oakville that left a woman dead and seven people injured, a truck driver has been charged in the collision.

Muhammad Hasnai Raza, 34, of Mississauga, was charged on Monday with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death in the horrific crash on the eastbound QEW near Trafalgar Rd. on Aug. 22 that occurred around 10:45 p.m.

The crash involved eight vehicles and left Elena Kulikova, 34, a well-known artist in Niagara Falls, dead and seven other people injured.

One of the vehicles involved, a transport truck driven by Raza, caught fire as a result of the collision, according to Burlington OPP.

Feisty and compassionate, Kulikova, who was on her way to see her boyfriend when the crash occurred, has been remembered by friends and family as an artist who embraced her causes as much as her paintings.

“She was so clear of her path, she left on a very high note,” said Niagara Falls artist Evelyn Bailey, who formed a strong friendship with Kulikova over the past year.

“She became an ambassador for Plastic Oceans Canada and used her art to bring awareness.”

LR Louie Rosella is a reporter and editor for InsideHalton.com and its sister papers. Reach him via email: lrosella@metroland.com

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