Four Killed in Eden City Dump Truck Crash

A city dump truck driven by 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon ran a stop sign in Eden, North Carolina, at about 1:30 p.m. on April 24, striking six power line workers from Carolina Power and Signalization who were contracting for Duke Energy. Four workers were killed and two others critically injured, while the dump truck then crashed into a bucket truck, injuring its occupant, before leaving the roadway. Authorities believe Vernon may have experienced a medical episode before the crash, but do not suspect impairment. Vernon has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Duke Energy and local officials have expressed condolences and pledged support for the affected families. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation.