WEATHER
Tragic Crash in Eden Claims Four Lives; Driver Charged
**Eden, NC** – A devastating vehicle accident in Eden on Thursday afternoon has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and the subsequent charging of the dump truck driver involved, according to the Eden Police Department.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., police responded to a collision at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road. The driver, identified as Michael Ray Vernon, 66, was operating a City of Eden 2016 Hino dump truck when he reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign on Carroll Street. He subsequently collided with six pedestrians who were performing powerline work for Carolina Power and Signalization.
Following the initial impact, Vernon's dump truck continued north, striking an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road into a ditch. Vernon suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Tragically, four of the six pedestrians who were struck died at the scene. The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
Two other pedestrians, a 24-year-old man from Reidsville and a 34-year-old man from Eden, sustained serious injuries. The Reidsville man is reported to be in critical condition, while the Eden man is stable.
Vernon has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Authorities do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
In response to the incident, Duke Energy, whose contractors were involved, expressed their condolences, stating, “We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
Multiple teams of first responders were deployed to the scene as the tragedy unfolded. The community mourns the loss of the victims and awaits further details as the investigation continues.
**Eden, NC** – A devastating vehicle accident in Eden on Thursday afternoon has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and the subsequent charging of the dump truck driver involved, according to the Eden Police Department.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., police responded to a collision at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road. The driver, identified as Michael Ray Vernon, 66, was operating a City of Eden 2016 Hino dump truck when he reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign on Carroll Street. He subsequently collided with six pedestrians who were performing powerline work for Carolina Power and Signalization.
Following the initial impact, Vernon's dump truck continued north, striking an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road into a ditch. Vernon suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Tragically, four of the six pedestrians who were struck died at the scene. The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
Two other pedestrians, a 24-year-old man from Reidsville and a 34-year-old man from Eden, sustained serious injuries. The Reidsville man is reported to be in critical condition, while the Eden man is stable.
Vernon has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Authorities do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
In response to the incident, Duke Energy, whose contractors were involved, expressed their condolences, stating, “We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
Multiple teams of first responders were deployed to the scene as the tragedy unfolded. The community mourns the loss of the victims and awaits further details as the investigation continues.
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