Newton Grove firefighters close down the hoses after dousing a van and motorcycle with water Sunday. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision, which killed one. The driver of the van is still being sought by officers.
According to Newton Grove Police chief Frankie Harrell, the accident occurred at 2:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon when a van crossed the center line at Main Street (also known as 701 North) at Harper House Road and hit a motorcycle, driven by Ronald Viehweger of Mount Olive.
“It was a head-on collision,” confirmed Harrell. “Both vehicles caught on fire and were engulfed in flames — they were both destroyed at the scene.”
The 41-year-old Viehweger was ejected from his motorcycle and killed as a result. It was the first fatality on Newton Grove roadways in over a year.
“It is a 55 mph zone,” said Harrell. “Both of them were estimated to be going just under that.”
The driver of the van, who was Hispanic, is still at large.
“After the accident, he jumped out of the van and got into a vehicle that was two cars behind him,” he said. “Witnesses say that he was holding his chest — it may of been from the impact.”
Investigators are still on the hunt for the man, who is facing a list of charges.
“He is facing several felonies, for sure,” said Harrell. “We have all the registration information (from the van) and are currently searching for his whereabouts.”
Harrell is also asking for the public’s help in the tragic accident. “If anyone has any information they can call us here 24/7,” he said. “If they know of anyone who may have been involved in this accident or someone who may have suffered an injury to their chest or stomach-area recently as a result of an accident, they can call us.”
To help with the investigation, call the Newton Grove Police Department at 910-594-0829.
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.
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