- 66-year-old driver charged after bypassing stop sign
- Victims aged 30-72 worked for Duke Energy contractors
- 3 survivors hospitalized with critical/serious injuries
- 2025 incident marks NC's deadliest utility crew accident since 2018
A routine infrastructure upgrade turned catastrophic Thursday afternoon when a municipal dump truck plowed through a Eden work zone. Authorities confirm the vehicle struck seven workers near a Duke Energy project site, killing four instantly and leaving three others with traumatic injuries. The collision occurred at 2:17 PM local time as crews repaired storm-damaged power lines along a rural stretch of highway.
Industry analysts note this tragedy highlights persistent risks in utility maintenance operations. According to OSHA data, vehicular incidents account for 38% of fatal workplace injuries in electrical infrastructure projects. The National Utility Contractors Association recently called for mandatory collision avoidance systems in all municipal fleet vehicles – a safety measure not implemented in Eden's aging truck inventory.
Regional comparisons reveal troubling patterns. A 2022 Virginia case saw similar circumstances when a concrete mixer struck gas line workers near Richmond, killing three. That operator later tested positive for prescription opioids – though Eden police confirm alcohol/drug tests came back negative for driver Michael Vernon. Both incidents involved contractors working within 15 feet of active roadways.
Surviving crew members face long recoveries. Medical helicopters transported two workers to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, including one requiring emergency surgery for spinal trauma. The bucket truck operator struck during the incident sustained broken ribs and a collapsed lung but is expected to survive.
Legal experts anticipate civil lawsuits against multiple parties. While Vernon faces criminal charges, liability could extend to the City of Eden for vehicle maintenance records and Duke Energy for worksite safety protocols. North Carolina's modified comparative negligence laws typically reduce settlements when victims share partial fault – though witness accounts suggest proper safety barriers were in place.
Community members held a candlelight vigil Saturday at Freedom Park, honoring victims Matthew Lockwood, William Evans, Madison Carter, and Douglas Sides. The latter had recently mentored apprentices through Victory Powerline Services' training program. Duke Energy announced a $250,000 fund for victims' families while suspending all roadside projects statewide pending safety reviews.
