BENSON – Authorities are investigating an early morning collision in southern Johnston County that claimed one life and injured three others.
The accident was reported just after 12:00am today (Friday) on NC Highway 27 at Mingo Road, west of Benson, near the Harnett County line.
A white 2012 Ford Fusion and red 2015 GMC Sierra pickup collided. The violent impact ripped the engine out of the passenger car. The vehicles came to rest on opposite sides of the roadway.
The driver of the Ford, identified as 33 year-old Steven Williams of Smithfield, died at the scene. A passenger in the Ford and both occupants in the GMC pickup were transported to area hospitals.
The State Highway Patrol said Williams was traveling eastbound when he crossed the centerline in his Ford striking the westbound GMC head on.
Authorities said alcohol was determined to be a factor and both drivers are “suspected of impairment.”
NC Highway 27 was closed from Hodges Chapel Church Road to Highway 50 for several hours before reopening.
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This story has been updated
