Chain reaction crash injures three

Published 9:50 am Saturday, May 8, 2010

AHOSKIE – Investigation continues in a four-vehicle accident that occurred shortly before 3 p.m. here Thursday.

According to a report filed by North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper K.R. Velazquez, three people were injured in the accident which occurred between U.S. 13 and N.C. 11 just north of Ahoskie.

Trooper Velazquez said the investigation was underway because the Highway Patrol had received multiple accounts of what triggered the chain reaction crash.

Information obtained thus far indicates that a Silver Nissan Altima operated by Essie Hall of Ahoskie was stopped preparing to make a left-hand turn. Immediately behind Hall was a Chevrolet Silverado operated by Dennis Moore of New Bern.

Trooper Velazquez said Moore’s vehicle was apparently struck by a Pontiac driven by Derrick Smith of Como. The Pontiac then reportedly bounced backwards and was struck by a Freightliner 18-wheeler operated by Jesse Roberson of Windsor.

The impact of that crash pushed the Pontiac back into the Silverado which moved forward and struck the Nissan.

Three people were transported from the accident scene, including Hall and Smith. Nikita Deloatch of Murfreesboro, who was a passenger in the Pontiac was also transported.

Smith was transported to Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville via EastCare and is listed in good condition as of Friday.

Charges in the accident are pending as the investigation continues.

Trooper Velazquez said she appreciated the assistance of Hertford County EMS and the Ahoskie Fire Department at the scene.