Beaufort County police charged a 48-year-old dump truck driver from Pantego in connection with a fatal accident that occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sept. 26. The truck accident happened on U.S. 264 close to Waters Road.
According to police accounts, the 47-year-old man from Kenly was heading east when a Kenworth dump truck traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line and hit his SUV. Troopers said the dump truck then struck a Chevy Blazer that was also traveling eastbound, and a third vehicle crashed into the truck as well. The Highway Patrol charged the driver of the dump truck with death by motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. Passengers in both the dump truck and SUV suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.
Police are currently unsure of the cause of the accident, but further investigation may yield information as to why the truck driver crossed into the opposite lane. It is possible that he may have been fatigued at the wheel, or he may have become distracted with something such as the use of a cellphone.
These types of accidents can be quite damaging for injured victims involved or families of any deceased. The financial implications can be devastating for those faced with a slew of medical expenses and possible rehabilitation costs. If an injured party is forced to miss work, they may also lose income that supports their family. Consulting with a personal injury attorney may help one decide if taking legal action is appropriate.
Source: WCTI 12, ‘Dump truck driver charged in fatal Beaufort County wreck”, Sept. 26, 2014
Source: WITN, “Dump truck driver charged in U.S. 264 fatal accident“, September 26, 2014
