A Fatal Three-Vehicle Collision Cripples Traffic in Manteo, North Carolina
In-depth Report on the Collision
Manteo, North Carolina was witness to a tragic three-vehicle collision this Monday morning. The accident on Roanoke Island led to one fatality, with the deceased identified as Robert Hill, Jr., a 65-year-old resident of Georgetown, South Carolina. According to preliminary descriptions from 1st Sgt. S.D. Hurley of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Hill is presumed to have suffered a sudden medical issue leading to the accident.
The Sargent noted that there were “no signs of recklessness” nor high speed involved in the accident. However, the official cause of death would have to be determined by the medical examiner.
The Chain of Events
According to the Sargent, in the early hours of the morning, Hill was seen driving a Ford Explorer south on U.S. 64 towards the prominent Midway intersection. This intersection is a significant landmark where U.S. 64 and N.C. 345 intersect. For an unknown reason, Hill reportedly “crossed the center turn lane into the northbound lane, striking a Mazda CX-5.”
The Ford didn’t stop there; it proceeded in its path of destruction by delivering a “hard sideswipe” to the Mazda. Following this, the vehicle went on to ‘clip’ a GMC Sierra that had been behind the impacted Mazda. “That impact was very slight, but they did make contact,” said the Sargent.
The Accident Scene
The grisly collision transpired just before 9 a.m. in the northbound lane (westbound) of U.S. 64. The area between the popular dunkin’ Donuts and the Silver Bonsai Gallery, just on the outskirts of Manteo on Roanoke Island, soon turned into a chaotic scene of wreckage and traffic.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene. Two of the vehicles had experienced significant damage and the entire surroundings were not cleared until around 11:30 a.m.
The Aftermath
The two occupants of the Mazda, who bore the brunt of the seemingly out-of-control Ford Explorer, were transported to a close by hospital as a precaution. The driver of the GMC, the third vehicle involved in this accident, refused medical treatment at the scene. Thankfully, aside from the tragic loss of Mr. Hill’s life, no other serious injuries were reported.
Impact on Traffic
The mishap caused hours-long closure of the outer banks road, disrupting commuters and causing extensive traffic snarls. The authorities recommend motorists to avoid the area and seek other alternate routes if travelling towards the Outer Banks.
The investigators are currently in the process of gathering more details and talking to potential eyewitnesses to shed more light on this unfortunate incident. The accident also underscores the importance of vehicular safety and health conditions of drivers on the road.
