Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Shortly before 9 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, a Dare County man was driving a Ford Explorer south out of Manteo on U.S. 64. He crossed the center lane and collided with two vehicles coming north toward Manteo.

Robert Hill Jr., 65, was reported deceased. While Hill’s driver license lists a Georgetown, SC address, he was reported to be a Dare County resident.

The collision happened between Dunkin’ Donuts and Silver Bonsai Gallery. According to First Sgt. S.D. Hurley of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Hill’s vehicle drifted to the left – for reasons “still unknown” as of mid-afternoon Monday – and struck a northbound Mazda CX-5 in what was described as a hard sideswipe before continuing on and hitting a GMC Sierra, where it came to rest. Hurley stated the impact between the Explorer and the Mazda caused most of the damage in the three-vehicle wreck. All were towed away from the scene.

EMS performed CPR on Hill. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office will determine his cause of death.

Both the driver and passenger of the Mazda were transported to The Outer Banks Hospital for evaluation. The driver of the GMC reportedly refused treatment and remained at the scene.

Hurley stated that speed and recklessness were not factors and there was nothing to indicate impairment.

The wreck impaired Roanoke Island traffic for more than two hours. Hurley reported that as all three vehicles generally came to rest in the northbound lane, traffic was diverted into the center turn lane. The temporary closure of the William B. Umstead Bridge contributed to the delay, as traffic could not be diverted around the scene through the Dare County mainland.

Reporting to the scene were personnel from North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County EMS and Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!