LEWISTON WOODVILLE – A simple right turn here Thursday led to a three-vehicle accident.

According to a reported filed by North Carolina State Trooper A.S. Genao, a 2003 Mac Tractor trailer operated by Clifford Leo McGee made a right hand turn from N.C. 308 onto N.C. 11.

When McGee made that turn two empty crates fell off the back of the vehicle, setting off a chain collision.

One of the crates reportedly fell onto a 2000 Ford passenger vehicle operated by Johnnie Luther Bazemore of Lewiston, who was following the truck.

The second crate landed in the north bound lane of N.C. 11 where it was struck by a 2011 Kenworth tractor trailer operated by Jerry Glenn East. After striking the crate, the truck ran off the left hand side of the road, impacted a ditch and a fence and came to rest in a group of trees.

East was trapped inside the truck for more than two hours, according to the report, but was freed thanks to the efforts of the Lewiston Woodville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

N.C. Highway Patrol First Sgt. Todd Lane said there was also a diesel spill because one of the tanks of the Kenworth ruptured.

“Bertie County Emergency Management Coordinator Mitch Cooper was on the scene and took care of the situation immediately,” Lane said. “He did a great job controlling the situation.

“The emergency responders also did an outstanding job,” he added. “They kept the situation in control and did not allow it to escalate.”

Lane also thanked the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

East was transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. He was listed in fair condition Friday afternoon. Bazemore was transported to Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital where he was treated. McGee was not injured.

There was an estimated $400 damage done to Bazemore’s Ford. The Kenworth, which was owned by C&D Hauling of Raleigh, was a total loss.

McGee was charged with failure to secure equipment.