WAXHAW, N.C. — A major road is shut down in Union County after troopers say a man driving under the influence of heroin collided with a tractor-trailer. North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers tell WCCB, the accident happened on Highway 200 near Huey Road late Wednesday night.
The driver of the pick-up truck, Ray Jackson III, was driving on Hwy 200 when he crossed the center line and hit the tractor-trailer head on. According to troopers, the tractor-trailer driver, Eric Messenger, tried to avoid the collision and ran off the side of the road. The truck, which was carrying fuel, exploded following the crash.
Troopers say, Jackson, was high on heroin at the time of the crash. He was transported to an area hospital with broken bones but is expected to be okay. Messenger, was not injured.
Ray Jackson III is charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving.
The road is going to be shut down for several hours while crews investigate.
