On April 7, 2008, the driver of a tractor-trailer traveling Southbound on US-421 through Erwin, North Carolina temporarily blacked out and lost control of his 18-wheeler going between 55 and 60 miles per hour.

The tractor-trailer scaled an embankment, tore through the front steps to the Zion Temple Church of God of Prophecy and toppled the church’s van. The tractor-trailer also crashed into two parked cars in a resident’s carport and a dog tree before finally coming to a halt. A utility pole was also damaged in the tractor-trailer accident.

In addition, the truck’s 60 gallon fuel tank dislodged and ruptured, spilling diesel fuel on the ground. The Harnett County Environmental Health Department will continue to test the ground water for contamination.

The truck driver, who suffered only from minor injuries, has been charged with careless and reckless driving. The case remains under investigation.

Source: “Truck Wipes Out 2 Cars, Church Van,” MYDAILYRECORD.com, April 08, 2008.