A single car accident knocked out power to about 200 homes and businesses between Smithfield and Clayton. The crash happened at 6:07am today (Thursday) on Highway 70 Business.
Troopers said 24 year-old Kenyel Thompson of Clayton was headed to work in her Honda when she ran off Highway 70 and skidded sideways into a utility pole before coming to rest in the edge of Knollwood Cemetery.
Thompson told troopers she reached down to pick up an item in her car when she lost control. Thompson was not injured. There was no damage to any tombstones however a power pole was knocked to the ground and Duke Energy had to respond to the scene to restore power. A car parked in a nearby yard was also damaged by the fallen power line.
Trooper N.A. Hocutt cited Thompson for failure to maintain lane control.
Johnston County EMS, Wilson’s Mills Fire Department, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and NC Highway Patrol responded to the scene. Photos courtesy John Payne
