Person charged in deadly, firey Scotland County crash


SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WMBF) – The North Carolina Highway Patrol is giving more details on a fiery crash on U.S. 74 that left one person dead.

Troopers were called out around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday to the highway at Highland Road bridge for the crash.

A 2002 Kenworth dump truck hauling gravel and going east on the highway was behind an escort vehicle following a 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer hauling a boat.

The escort vehicle and tractor-trailer slowed down under the Highland Road bridge for “height and passage reasons,” and the dump truck hit the rear of the escort vehicle, a report from the highway patrol states. The escort vehicle was then pushed into the tractor-trailer, and all three vehicles caught on fire.

The dump truck’s driver, Billy Oxendine, 64, of Rowland, failed to slow down before the crash, according to the report.

Oxendine was airlifted to the hospital and treated for serious injuries. He is now charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

The driver of the escort vehicle died. Their identity has not yet been determined.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NCDOT closes section of U.S. 74 in Scotland County after large vehicle fire

STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO

Highway patrol said the impacts of the crash are still being felt.

“The bridge was damaged as a result of the fire and is currently closed while the NC Department of Transportation assesses the damage,” the report reads. “Eastbound US74 will be detoured around the crash site until opened, but the westbound lanes are open at this time.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.



Source link