Marion, NC : Three-vehicle collision sends road worker to hospital on Friday October 28th 2016

A three-vehicle collision on U.S. 64 sent a road worker to the hospital with serious injuries Friday morning.

On Friday at approximately 11:09 a.m., emergency services received numerous calls in reference to a collision on U.S. 64 West toward the Rutherford County line involving two construction vehicles and a log truck.

Dysartsville Volunteer Fire Department, Hudlow Fire Department, McDowell EMS, Emergency Management and the McDowell Rescue Squad responded to the call.

According to Sgt. Mark Cline of the N.C. Highway Patrol, the construction vehicles, part of New Dimensions of Tennessee, were moving slowly on U.S. 64 laying reflectors on the roadway. At the time of the accident, a log truck was coming en route from behind.

“At the time of the accident, the log truck was coming up the curve and allegedly didn’t see the two vehicles in time,” said Cline. “The driver attempted to avoid collision and veered off the road, when he collided with the vehicle laying the reflectors on the road.”

A crash truck used to notify oncoming traffic of construction was originally on scene during the road work, but subsequently left prior to the collision, according to Cline. Traffic was controlled by New Dimensions workers.

Gary Blevins, the road worker laying reflectors on the back of the vehicle, was thrown off at the point of collision.

Tamra Gunn, one of the workers involved during the accident, confirmed that her inspector attempted to warn Blevins.

“He saw the truck coming from behind and tried to warn Blevins,” said Gunn.

The driver of the log truck declined to comment.

Traffic on U.S. 64 was shut down for an hour and a half before opening at approximately 12:45 p.m.

MedCenter Air from Charlotte flew in and escorted Blevins to Mission Hospital for serious injuries.

Further investigation into the accident was still under review as of deadline.

Source :
Three-vehicle collision sends road worker to hospital