COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (From news reports) - A man was impaled by a log during a traffic accident in North Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
The crash happened on NC 87 near the International Paper papermill.
According to the Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire Department, a log truck turning to enter the papermill was hit in the rear by a box truck from Fayetteville. A log 3 inches in diameter then impaled the driver of the truck, going into their left stomach area.
Extrication crews had to cut the log off with a chainsaw, cut the roof off, and peel it down allowing the pit to be removed. The driver was taken to the hospital.
At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, officials say the man died at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
UPDATED REPORT
A man died after getting impaled by a splintered log outside the entrance to International Paper Wednesday, according to Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire-Rescue.
N.C. State Highway Patrol identified the victim as Vashawn Williams Jr. of Fayetteville. He was 23 years old.
As a log truck bound for the IP facility was turning from N.C. 87 onto John Riegel Road around 12:45 p.m., a box truck crashed into it from behind, said ADR Fire Chief Steve Camlin.
One of the logs struck the box truck driver's door, splintering and piercing Williams through his abdominal cavity, Camlin said.
Camlin said first responders used a chainsaw to cut the log impaling Williams. After peeling the roof of the box truck away from the vehicle, they extricated Williams from the truck. An ambulance took Williams to the Riegelwood Community Park, from which a helicopter flew him to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for his injuries.
Williams underwent three surgeries Wednesday but died around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Camlin.
NCSHP said no charges would be filed in the wreck.
