Overturned log truck closes local highway
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on April 30, 2013 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/BOBBY WILLIAMS
An overturned log truck caused problems for commuters on N.C. 581 North Monday afternoon. A log truck heading south ran off the right shoulder of the highway near Pike's Crossroads, causing the driver to lose control. The truck flipped over on its side, spilling its logs.
From staff reports
Rainy weather conditions and slick roadways contributed to numerous traffic accidents throughout Wayne County on Monday, including an overturned log truck on N.C. 581 North, and a Ford Escape that rolled over off U.S. 111 South near Cave Road.
The driver and passenger of the Ford SUV were extricated by Wayne County Emergency Services and Elroy Fire Department personnel.
Both were conscious and speaking when loaded into an ambulance for transport.
They did however report that their chocolate Labrador retriever, Cooper, was in the vehicle at the time of the wreck. He could not be found.
The driver of the log truck, John Shiver Jr., lost control of his vehicle when it ran off the side of the road near Pike's Crossroads, causing the truck to overturn and dump its load into the yards of several homes and also snapping a utility pole in its path.
No charges are expected to be brought against Shiver at this time, according to Sgt. J.K. Whitley of the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Shiver drifted to the right running his right side tires off the road onto the shoulder, which was softened due to the heavy rainfall that day, Whitley said.
Once Shiver left the road and the load shifted, he could not regain control due to the soft shoulder.
Traffic was detoured for several hours while the scene was cleared.
The names of the drivers and any charges involved were not available as of press time today.