ROCKINGHAM — Westbound traffic on U.S. 74 ground to a halt after a deadly accident Tuesday morning.
According to Jeremy Chance, chief of Cordova Fire and Rescue, two flagging trucks for a road construction contractor were hit by a tractor-trailer transporting lumber on the Richmond County side of the Pee Dee River bridge.
Chance stated that crews were dispatched at 9:28 a.m.
According to Chance, two workers were outside the vehicles when the accident occurred. One person was pronounced dead at the site. Crews created a landing zone on the highway for the other to be flown.
As of midday, Chance said the westbound lane was still stopped and likely remain so for some time while crews worked to clear the scene.
U.S. 74’s eastbound lane has been temporarily converted into a two-way road near the boat landing entry, allowing westbound traffic to cross the river, according to Chance.
The accident is being investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
