Smithfield Police are investigating a single vehicle accident that seriously injured a teenage driver. Emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle accident at 6:44am on Monday, Dec. 9th on Highway 301 South between E. Crestview Drive and E. Heath Avenue.
According to a collision report, 18 year-old Josue Calero-Lopez of Sunnybrook Lane, Selma was traveling northbound on Highway 301 South in a 2003 Chevrolet pickup. Witnesses said Calero-Lopez swerved to the left to avoid striking a school bus stopped ahead of him. Due to the wet road conditions, the truck ran off the roadway and collided head on with a tree while traveling at 45 mph.
Calero-Lopez had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Smithfield Fire Department. He was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh where he underwent emergency surgery for serious injuries.
Police said they seized 59.1 grams of marijuana from the vehicle.
Due to his injuries and hospitalization, police cited Calero-Lopez with driving while impaired, driving without a license, and exceeding a safe speed. Additional charges are pending.
The school bus was not involved in the collision.
Damage to the truck was estimated at $15,000.
