Driver dead after dump truck crashes into building under construction

OLD FORT, N.C. — Investigators in McDowell County were called to a fatal crash Tuesday morning involving a dump truck that lost its brakes and on a steep mountainside going down Interstate 40 and into a building under construction.

The driver, who died in the crash, avoided cars stopped on the Exit 73 ramp in Old Fort before going airborne and into the Taco Bell and convenience store being built.

“He was thinking of other people and bypassed all of these cars that could have turned into something a whole lot worse,” said visitor Cathy Bradshaw.

The driver was hauling material to help repair rail lines damaged by Hurricane Helene.

“He did an evasive move to avoid other vehicles,” said Chief Melvin Lytle, Old Fort Police Department. “Went around several vehicles on the right-hand side of the road. It’s tragic that the situation happened, and our hearts go out to the family.”

There are emergency ramps for truckers along the interstate, but we don’t know exactly where the driver began having problems.

No additional details have been made available, including the name of the victim.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.