Editor’s note: This article has been updated

By: Susie C. Spear
Source: News & Record, Greensboro, N.C. (TNS)

Incident Overview

In Eden, North Carolina, the driver of a city-owned dump truck has been charged after fatally striking four utility workers and injuring three others on April 24. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which is leading the investigation, reported that Michael Ray Vernon was operating the vehicle without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

License Details

Authorities have not yet clarified why Vernon’s CDL was invalid or when it was last issued. Typically, CDLs issued in North Carolina are valid for five years and permit drivers to operate heavy vehicles, carry hazardous materials, or transport more than 16 passengers, as defined by federal law.

Crash Circumstances

The 66-year-old Vernon, who works for the city of Eden and is a long-serving firefighter, was reportedly driving the truck when he ran a stop sign. This led to a collision with utility linemen near the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Further Details on the Collision

After initially colliding with the linemen, Vernon’s truck struck an occupied bucket truck and subsequently crashed into a nearby ditch. While Vernon sustained minor injuries, investigators believe he experienced a medical emergency during the incident and do not suspect impairment.

Victims and Charges

Vernon has been charged with four counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle and a stop sign violation. The accident resulted in the deaths of four utility workers from Carolina Power and Signalization: Matthew Lockwood, 30; Douglas Garland Sides, 72; Madison Carter, 42; and William Evans, 35. Additionally, Cody Rich, 31, who was in a bucket truck, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Legal Proceedings

After meeting with investigators, Vernon faced charges before a Rockingham County magistrate on Wednesday and was granted a $50,000 unsecured bond. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also begun an investigation into the accident but has not yet released details about Vernon’s medical condition or his CDL status.

Future Updates

A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within 30 days, according to an agency representative.

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