SMITHFIELD – A car traveling in reverse ran off the roadway and collided with a fuel pump in front of a Smithfield convenience store, bursting into flames. The 11:19pm Wednesday crash happened at the Super Discount Mini-Mart at 2104 S. Brightleaf Boulevard.
Police said a Dunn man was driving a 2007 Pontiac passenger car approximately 25 mph in reverse southbound on S. Brightleaf Boulevard. The car traveled off the roadway, went through a ditch, and struck a gasoline pump in front of the convenience store.
Upon impact, the car and fuel pump burst into flames. An off-duty firefighter was nearby and helped extinguish the fire. The Smithfield Fire Department also responded.
Johnston County EMS transported the driver to Johnston Health in Smithfield for treatment of a medical condition that likely caused the crash. No one at the store was injured.
Damage to the business and fuel pump was placed at $15,000. Police did not file any charges against the driver.
Thank God no one was seriously hurt. It could have ended a lot worse.
15,000 for a fuel pump? That store has the oldest pumps in town. They get ALL new pump now. lol