Last Updated on June 21, 2018 8:42 pm
An early Thursday morning accident just down the mountain from the Watauga/Caldwell line has claimed the life of two Florida men.
The accident, around 4am, occurred on 321 near Kirby Mountain Road on a runaway truck ramp. The truck was hauling spools of metal and it is unclear where they were traveling to, according to reports. The driver and passenger were both killed in the accident. According to a published report, the driver was David Bailey, age 51 and the passenger was Chris Raines, age 58. According to the report, Bailey was wearing a seatbelt while Raines was located in the sleeper cab portion of the truck. Both men were of Lutz, Florida, according to the report.
The cause of the accident has not yet been fully determined, but NCSHP says that the driver either fell asleep at the wheel or the vehicle experienced equipment failure. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to have been involved, per a report.
According to several media reports, a kitten was found alive in the truck and the Caldwell Animal Shelter was able to retrieve it.
Breaking Caldwell Co- just got on the scene of a deadly crash along Highway 321 north of Lenoir. pic.twitter.com/gMkC9Jo2mc
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 21, 2018
Breaking Caldwell- Highway patrol confirming two men from Florida are dead after truck went into run away truck ramp on the southbound side of highway 321. pic.twitter.com/DmRKvLrn8t
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 21, 2018
Breaking Caldwell- truck was hauling several tons of spools of metal when it crashed coming down the mountainside. Authorities say they may be here til lunch time. Traffic moving in both directions. pic.twitter.com/FRSOaWk67d
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 21, 2018
Breaking Caldwell- wrecker is pulling the truck out of the run away ramp now. Hp confirms two men died in the crash. Authorities say they did find a kitten still alive inside the cab of the truck. pic.twitter.com/HpSMzHXh1J
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 21, 2018
