SUNBURY – A runaway log trailer killed the driver of a pickup truck during a traffic accident near here on Monday.

North Carolina State Trooper G.L. Bunch arrived at the scene minutes after the 1:35 p.m. accident, which took place on N.C. 32 just south of Sunbury.

Trooper Bunch, the lead investigator of the accident, reported 59-year old Joseph Jordan Harris Jr. of Elizabeth City was killed when the log trailer disconnected from a Peterbilt truck driven by Eure resident, Dorsey Sharpe Jr.

The log trailer crossed the center line and crashed into the driver’s side of Harris’ 1999 Ford pickup truck. After impact, the pickup rolled and finally came to rest upside down.

Sharpe, 58, was not charged in the accident. However, Trooper Bunch continues the investigation.

Trooper Bunch said the accident was not caused by speed, alcohol or drugs.

Gates County Volunteer Rescue Squad was on the scene.