Smithfield Police have released the name of a motorist who died in a two vehicle accident Monday afternoon in West Smithfield. The collision occurred around 3:40pm on W. Market Street (US 70) at Durwood Stephenson Highway.
Police said a burgundy Nissan SUV driven by Gilbert Barakat, 71, of Clayton and a white Mercedes driven by Elvia Santiago, 32, of Clayton collided in the intersection. After the impact, the Nissan ran off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Gilbert Barakat died at the scene. A passenger, 67 year-old Barbara Barakat of Clayton, sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.
Santiago and two juvenile passengers in the Mercedes had minor injuries.
Police Captain R. Sheppard said the cause of the accident still remains under investigation. Officers said there was an independent eyewitness to the crash. The eyewitness has been interviewed.
