Driver Survives After Load Of Steel I-Beams Crush Truck Cab

Photo by John Payne

SMITHFIELD – A tractor trailer driver lost control of his truck and loaded flatbed trailer on US 70 near Smithfield, Friday afternoon.

Photo by John Payne

The truck plowed into a deep ditch as the 38,000 pound load of steel I-Beams slid forward, crushing the cab and narrowly missing the driver.

Photo by John Payne

The driver was able to climb out through the rear window of the truck with the help of a good samaritan who had run to the accident scene.

Photo by John Payne

The steel was bound from Kinston to Greensboro on Friday when the 12:15pm accident happened.

Westbound traffic was heavily congested in the area for hours as the cleanup took place.