Truck Driver Charged in Fatal Restaurant Crash

[Skywatch_NC]

Truck Driver Charged In Fatal Restaurant Crash

POSTED: 11:33 am EDT July 29, 2004
UPDATED: 1:08 pm EDT July 29, 2004

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. -- The driver of a tractor-trailer that plowed into the dining room of Peggy's Seafood Restaurant, killing the owner's son, turned himself in to authorities Thursday morning.

David Brachearo, 52, of Burlington, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators believe he was speeding and not paying attention when he crashed into Peggy's Seafood Restaurant.

"He and his wife were both very, very emotional. He was very apologetic and very remorseful," Trooper R.E. Mellott said.

On July 19, a 45-foot long dump truck driven by Brachearo hit two cars and then plowed into the restaurant on N.C. 87, just north of Olivia.

Dale Hardee, 32, was killed; three others were injured.

According to the Highway Patrol, Brachearo was traveling south on N.C. 87 at approximately 70 mph when he came to the intersection of Broadway and 87, where there was a red light. He failed to stop in time and hit a vehicle in front of him stopped at the light. That vehicle, a 1989 Nissan, was knocked off the road.

One person was killed and three others were injured in the July 19 crash. The restaurant owner says he will not reopen.

After hitting the Nissan, troopers said Brachearo's truck sideswiped a 2003 Honda heading the other direction in a turning lane. After sideswiping the Civic, the truck then went into the restaurant, hitting two patrons.

Troopers spent days collecting evidence and running tests to determine the cause of the crash. The truck was checked for mechanical problems and investigators looked into whether Brachearo had been drinking or had a medical condition.

In the end, investigators determined Brachearo was speeding and not paying attention.

http://www.wral.com/news/3591977/detail.html


Eric