Multi-Vehicle Accident involving Tanker Truck Leaves Five North Carolina Residents Dead and Two Others Injured in Harnett County

October 27, 2008, by Michael A. DeMayo

In Harnett County, five people died and two others were injured on Friday night in a multi-vehicle collision involving a tanker truck filled with gasoline.
The deadly crash occurred at the intersection of NC 27 and Old Fairground Road at around 11pm.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the deadly truck crash accident happened after the driver of a black Honda Accord ran a stop sign and drove into the path of the tanker truck. The truck drove over the Accord before the two vehicles crossed the center line and struck an Oldsmobile station wagon.

Police say that the truck did not explode or leak gas. The Honda, however, was crushed during the collision with the tanker truck. All of the victims that died were riding in the Accord. Driver Esteban Isidro (a 22-year-old Raleigh resident), Jorge Gallardo (age 23 and also from Raleigh), and Angier residents Norma Martinez, 15, Germain Chavez, 25, and Ashley Martinez, 17, died at the scene. Martinez was pregnant.

The driver of the station wagon, 18-year-old Benson resident Kimberly Jones, was admitted to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn where she received treatment for a broken collarbone and a broken ankle. She was released from the hospital on Saturday.

Truck driver and Pikeville resident Ronnie Vanatta was treated at the crash scene for minor injuries.

Car Accidents
If you were seriously injured or someone you loved died in a North Carolina or South Carolina car accident, you may be able to sue the negligent party or his or her estate for personal injury or wrongful death. To maximize your chances for financial recovery, it is important that you work with an experienced personal injury law firm that knows how to conduct an investigation on your behalf to determine the facts surrounding your accident.

There may be more than one party that can be held liable for your injuries or your loved one’s death. Your medical and recovery expenses may also be significantly more than you think. A good personal injury lawyer will know how much it will cost for you to recover.

Five killed in collision with tanker truck in Harnett, News & Observer, October 26, 2008

Troopers name 5 killed by oncoming truck in NC, FoxNews, October 26, 2008

Related Web Resource:

Large Truck Traffic Safety Fact Sheet, NHTSA