Wilson County, NC (November 28, 2024) – A tragic incident occurred Wednesday evening on New Sandy Church Hill Rd near NC 581, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old man. According to Trooper J.K. Page, a tractor-trailer was parked in the traveling lane when Roberto Ramos-Madrigal, who was walking behind the vehicle, was struck by a passing car. The driver, 21-year-old London Hall, was unable to avoid hitting Ramos-Madrigal and subsequently collided with the tractor-trailer. Despite efforts from emergency responders, Ramos-Madrigal was pronounced dead at the scene. Hall was unharmed and is not facing charges at this time. The crash appears to have been caused by low visibility in the area, and authorities are investigating the tractor-trailer’s position on the road.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Roberto Ramos-Madrigal.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents in North Carolina
The collision on New Sandy Church Hill Rd serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly parked vehicles, especially on narrow or poorly lit roads. While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, it highlights the importance of visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Tractor-trailers, due to their size and lack of maneuverability, pose particular risks when not parked safely off the roadway. In this case, the tractor-trailer was parked in the travel lane, creating a hazardous situation that led to a fatality.
Accidents involving tractor-trailers are often more severe than other types of collisions due to the massive size difference between trucks and smaller vehicles. The consequences for pedestrians and those in nearby vehicles can be catastrophic. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities will conduct a full inspection of the tractor-trailer to determine why it was parked in the lane of travel and whether any regulations were violated.
The area where this crash occurred was reported to have low visibility, which likely contributed to the tragic outcome. Poor lighting, weather conditions, or even inadequate signage can make it difficult for drivers to see potential hazards in time to react. Drivers should always exercise extra caution when traveling in low-visibility areas, particularly at night or during inclement weather.
For drivers and pedestrians alike, it is essential to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Whether walking or driving, maintaining proper visibility and ensuring that vehicles are parked safely off the road can help prevent similar accidents in the future. Pedestrians should never walk on or near active roadways unless absolutely necessary, and drivers should slow down and use extra caution when approaching areas with limited visibility or unusual road conditions.
Local Accident Reports will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Roberto Ramos-Madrigal during this difficult time.