BENSON – One person was killed in a head on collision this morning. The crash was reported at 10:34AM on Highway 50 just south of the Benson city limits near the intersection of Banner Heights Road.
According to Highway Patrol First Sgt. R.B. Maynard, a white 2008 Chevrolet passenger car driven by Daphne Barefoot, 26, of Benson was traveling northbound on Highway 50 and crossed the centerline completely into the southbound lane and in the path of a 2012 GMC pickup traveling southbound and driven by Jeremy Smith, 35, of Newton Grove.
Smith swerved into the northbound travel lane to avoid striking the car. At the last second, troopers said Ms. Barefoot swerved back into the northbound travel lane where both vehicles collided head on.
Ms. Barefoot died at the scene from her injuries. A small puppy inside the car was also killed.
Smith and a 7 year-old passenger in the GMC were checked out at the scene by Johnston County EMS but were not transported to the hospital. The 7 year-old was seated in the back seat of the truck and sustained minor injuries.
Sgt. Maynard said speed was not a factor. Neither driver was wearing a seat belt.
The Highway Patrol, Benson Fire Department, Benson Police Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston County EMS, and the NC DOT responded to the scene.
