Five students from Corinth Holders High School were injured, one critically, in a single vehicle accident Thursday afternoon.
The collision happened around 2:45pm on Thanksgiving Fire Department Road just south of Highway 42 East.
A preliminary investigation by the NC Highway Patrol, indicates the five teens were in a Acura passenger car traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver of the car lost control as the vehicle entered a curve, overturned in a field, and struck a utility pole, ejecting a backseat passenger.
The driver, Fermin Rodriguez, 16, of Zebulon, and three passengers were taken to Wake Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Those passengers included: Jovanny Vargas, 16, of Selma, Sergio Garcia, 15, of Zebulon, and Nora Garcia Zuniga, 16, of Zebulon.
Another passenger, 16 year-old Ana Gonzalez-Castro of Selma, was listed in critical condition at Wake Medical Center.
Excessive speed is a contributing factor. Troopers estimate Rodriguez was traveling 80mph in a 55mph zone when he lost control. And troopers said at least 3 of the 5 teens in the vehicle were not wearing seat belts. Charges are pending.
The accident also caused a power outage at more than 200 homes in the area. It took several hours before power was fully restored. Photos by John Payne
