A tractor-trailer loaded with Christmas trees overturned and blocked N.C. 18 North in the McGrady community Monday afternoon, according to Trooper J.S. Ratliff of the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Melvin Lee Haymore, 32, of Danville, Va., driver of a 1996 Kenworth tractor and flatbed trailer, was traveling south down a steep grade when he lost his brakes, Ratliff said. The truck gained speed and entered a curve near Vannoy Road.
Haymore went left of center in an attempt to avoid overturning, but met a 2002 Ford Explorer that was traveling north, the trooper said. Haymore sideswiped the Explorer, which was driven by Vianey Tarrillo Paniagua, 27, of Boomer.
The tractor-trailer then went off on the right, plowed into an embankment and overturned, blocking the southbound lane, Ratliff said.
Ms. Paniagua and two small children were taken to Wilkes Regional Medical Center by Wilkes EMS for treatment of minor injuries, Ratliff said.
The southbound lane of the highway was blocked for more than five hours after the collision, which happened around 3:40 p.m., allowing workers from Smoky Holler Tree Farm in Laurel Springs to move their Christmas trees onto other trucks, the trooper said. The entire highway was blocked from time to time, including up to 45 minutes or an hour at one point.
Ratliff charged Haymore with driving left of center and having improper brakes.