Pickup Driver Killed In Collision With Dump Truck

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – One person was killed and another seriously injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision involving a pickup truck and a loaded dump truck near Micro.

The crash was reported at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Lowell Mill Road near River Run Road.

According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, Ifeanyi Malachy Ibezim, 51, of Princeton was driving a 2004 Ford pickup westbound when the truck crossed the centerline and sideswiped an eastbound 1998 Peterbilt dump truck.

The dump truck was driven by Billy Clarence Green, 80, of Selma.

Following the impact, Ibezim’s pickup ran off the left side of the road, traveled down an embankment and struck a tree. Ibezim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Green attempted to avoid the collision by driving off the right side of the road, according to the Highway Patrol. The dump truck then overcorrected, crossed the centerline and overturned onto its right side.

Green was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Troopers said Ibezim was not wearing a seat belt. Green was restrained.

Speed and alcohol are not believed to have contributed to the crash.

Troopers determined traveling left of center was a contributing factor and said distracted driving or cell phone use is also being investigated as a possible factor.

No charges will be filed.

The crash remains under investigation by the N.C. State Highway Patrol’s Johnston County office.