A man is in the hospital and a woman faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs after a bizarre series of accidents on U.S. 58 in Sutherlin on July 14.
According to Virginia State Trooper M.T. Wade, Eden, North Carolina resident Steven Bradford was driving a 2004 Kenworth truck west on U.S. 58 when he spotted a 1997 Nissan Sentra coming toward him head-on.
Bradford braked and his vehicle stopped, but a 2007 Freightliner propane truck behind him, driven by Vernon Hill resident Calvin Lewis, was unable to stop and hit Bradford’s vehicle, according to Wade.
Covington, Georgia resident James J. Matts II was driving a 1995 Freightliner flatbed trailer and also tried to stop as he approached the accident, but when he hit his brakes, his load, an industrial-sized transformer, shifted and dropped off into the road, according to Wade. The fallen transformer spilled 1,000 gallons of mineral oil onto the road and surrounding property.
Matts received transport to Danville Regional Medical Center for minor, non-life-threatening injuries, according to emergency officials.
Authorities say South Boston resident Margie Monroe, the driver of the Nissan, fled the scene.
Wade said that a witness followed Monroe to her home and called 911. She was returned to the scene of the crash and officially arrested. Wade says she may face additional charges besides the DUI.
