WINDSOR – Two tractor-trailers, both loaded with logs, were involved in an accident near here Monday morning that snarled traffic for several hours on US 17.

According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper J.V. Reid, the mishap occurred approximately 7.1 miles east of Windsor near the intersection of US 17 and Old US 17.

Reid, who investigated the accident, said that Eric Petterson of Pinetown had made a right turn off Old US 17 onto US 17.

At that point, Petterson’s tractor-trailer was rear-ended by another log truck, driven by Tony Holly of Franklin, VA. Holly’s big rig is owned by Billy Harrell Trucking of Hertford.

Reid said both vehicles were traveling northbound on US 17 at the time of the accident. He added that the area where the mishap took place is located where the speed limit on US 17 reduces from 70 mph to 55 mph.

Upon impact, Petterson’s tractor-trailer traveled off the roadway and down an embankment where it overturned. Meanwhile, Holly’s rig overturned in the roadway, spilling logs across all four lanes of travel, thusly blocking the highway.

Traffic was diverted around the crash scene while the roadway was being cleared of the logs and other debris. All lanes of travel were fully reopened by 11:35 a.m.

Petterson was not injured.

Reid said Holly was transported to Vidant Bertie Hospital in Windsor with non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper Reid said he needs to speak with Holly as part of his investigation. Charges, he said on Monday morning, are pending.

Midway Fire Department, Windsor Fire Department, Bertie EMS, and the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the accident scene.