Wrong-Way Driver Killed In Head-On Crash On U.S. 70

JOHNSTON COUNTY — One person was killed early Monday in a fiery head-on collision after an SUV traveled the wrong way on U.S. 70 and struck a commercial vacuum truck, according to the State Highway Patrol.

The collision was reported around 2:19 a.m. Oct. 12 near the 333 mile marker, between Selma and Wilson’s Mills.

Troopers said a commercial vacuum truck was traveling east on U.S. 70 when an SUV traveling west in the eastbound lanes approached from the opposite direction. The two vehicles collided head-on in the left eastbound lane.

Following the impact, the vacuum truck came to rest in the left lane facing east. The SUV struck a guardrail and became fully engulfed in flames before coming to rest facing south.

The driver of the SUV died at the scene. Authorities said Monday the driver had not yet been identified.

The vacuum truck was driven by Sampson Brown Tillery Jr., 35, of Raleigh. Tillery suffered minor injuries and was transported to UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield.

Troopers said Tillery was wearing a seat belt and was not impaired. Speed was not considered a factor for the truck driver.

U.S. 70 was closed for approximately six hours while troopers investigated the collision and crews cleared the scene. The highway reopened around 8 a.m.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the State Highway Patrol’s Johnston County office at 919-934-2196 or 919-733-3861.