1 Killed In Head On Collision

Update 7:55PM: The driver killed in the crash has been identified as 27 year-old Destine Elise Pierce of Thompson Road, Four Oaks.

A head on collision between a compact car and a fully loaded tractor trailer shut down Highway 701 South for several hours Monday afternoon.

The crash was reported at 3:22pm on Highway 701 just south of the intersection of Peach Orchard Road.

Initial reports from the NC Highway Patrol indicate the driver of a compact passenger car was traveling northbound on Highway 701 South when the operator crossed the center line and slammed head on into a southbound tractor trailer hauling garbage.  The impact was so severe the engine was thrown from the compact car.

After the impact, the car came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway while the semi traveled down a steep ditch causing the cab to overturn on its side.  The driver of the truck was able to free himself from the cab and walk away without injury.

The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

Diesel fuel from a ruptured saddle tank on the truck spilled across both lanes of the roadway. The NC Department of Transportation spread sand on the roadway to help absorb the spilled fuel.

Heavy duty wreckers were brought to the scene to remove the damaged semi. The truck was hauling garbage from Weldon to Roseboro.

The NC Highway Patrol has not released the name of the driver who died in the crash.  The driver was the only occupant in the vehicle.   A representative from the NC Medical’s Examiners Office responded to the crash site.

The Johnston County Emergency Management Office, Four Oaks EMS, Johnston County EMS, Strickland’s Crossroads Fire Department and Four Oaks Fire Department responded to the emergency call.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the traffic detour.

 

 

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