One Seriously Injured In US 70 Collision Involving Semi And Car

PRINCETON — One person was seriously injured Thursday afternoon in a collision involving a livestock-hauling tractor-trailer on US Highway 70 in Johnston County.

The crash occurred around 1:11 p.m. at the intersection of US 70 and Edwards Road in Princeton, according to the State Highway Patrol.

Authorities say a 2024 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Erick Jamal Smith, 22, of Kenansville, was traveling west on US 70 when he ran a red light and struck a 2021 Kia Forte that was entering the intersection on a green light from Edwards Road.

The impact caused the Kia, driven by 78-year-old Golden Gray Pierce of Princeton, to overturn. The vehicle came to rest upright on the shoulder of the highway, facing east. The tractor-trailer traveled approximately two-tenths of a mile before stopping in the westbound lanes.

Pierce was transported to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh with life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Smith was cited at the scene for a red light violation and for driving with a revoked license (Class A and C). A post-crash inspection of the commercial vehicle is being conducted, and additional charges may be filed pending the outcome.

Investigators said neither speed nor alcohol or drug use were factors in the collision. However, driver inattention is believed to have contributed to the crash.

The truck was carrying a load of hogs at the time. Two animals were found deceased inside the trailer following the crash.

It took approximately three hours to investigate the accident and clear the wrecked vehicles from the scene before westbound lanes fully reopened.