1 Killed, 1 Injured in Sampson County Truck Accident
The pickup driver has been identified as Breezy A. Hernandez, 20, of Harrells, who died, and the tractor-trailer driver as Lawa A. Dowdell, 30, of Leland, who was hurt.
Candice BondBreezy A. Hernandez, 20, of Harrells, was killed in a truck crash on US 421 in Sampson County on November 1, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Sampson County Emergency Services.
How the US 421 Collision Unfolded
The crash happened just after 7:30 a.m. on Sunday on US 421 near River Road. Sampson County Emergency Services and the Highway Patrol said the pickup, a 1999 Toyota, went over the center line and hit a 2019 Freightliner tractor-trailer head-on. Flames engulfed both vehicles, and they came to rest just beside the road.
The trailer held methane gas, which stayed inside and did not ignite. The pickup driver, Hernandez, died in the crash. The tractor-trailer driver has been identified as Lawa A. Dowdell, 30, of Leland, who was brought to Sampson Regional Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Where the Highway Patrol Review Goes From Here
Crews from the state's hazardous materials team responded to the scene. Officials later let most evacuated residents return home, but residents of Perry Drive, Virginia Drive and Kilby Drive were told to stay away until further notice. Drivers were asked to avoid US 421 near Bestwood Lane, and a temporary shelter was set up at the Taylors Bridge Fire Department in Clinton.
When police say a crash is still under investigation, it usually means they are still collecting evidence and have not reached any conclusions.
From an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice.Lost someone in a crash like this?
Here is what families in North Carolina usually need, in the order it comes up.
Death certificates. The funeral home or the family can order them, and banks and insurers each usually want a copy.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Funeral costs. Every state has a victim fund that pays funeral costs after some crashes, and the fund decides who qualifies.
Survivor payments. If the person who died had worked, their spouse or children may get monthly Social Security payments. Applying early matters.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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