Three injured in Johnston County tractor-trailer wreck
Four people were hospitalized Saturday morning after a wreck on U.S. 701 South near Marler Road in Johnston County, authorities said.
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Troopers said the tractor-trailer was lawfully passing the SUV in the left lane shortly before 8 a.m. when the SUV simultaneously turned left into a private driveway.
The two vehicles collided, and two SUV passengers – Tahirra Hargrove, 19, of Newton Grove, and Latrice Johnson, 23, of Smithfield – were ejected and taken to WakeMed. Hargrove is listed in fair condition, while Johnson was treated and released.
The driver of the SUV, James Newkirk, 65, of Smithfield, was pinned in the vehicle for about 25 minutes. Once he was extricated, he was airlifted to WakeMed. He was listed in serious condition.
The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.
The collision is still under investigation, but troopers said speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors.
All southbound lanes of U.S. 701 were closed for about two hours while emergency crews were at the scene.
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