Brian Atkins dies in fatal Rutherford County car crash
Fatal Rutherford County car crash death of Brian Atkins – Obituary
Brian Atkins, 55, of Forest City, North Carolina, was killed Saturday evening in a crash on US 74 eastbound near the Ellenboro exit. Atkins was pronounced dead at the scene after his pickup truck collided with a motor grader performing snow removal.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. Atkins’ Chevrolet pickup struck the rear of the grader, which was partially in the right lane. The impact trapped Atkins inside his vehicle. Three other passengers in the truck sustained serious injuries but were not life-threatening.
Authorities said the motor grader was operated by a contractor working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. US 74 eastbound was temporarily closed while the scene was cleared. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.