One Killed, Two Injured By Roof Collapse At Clinton Church

On February 18, a roof collapsed at a church in Sampson County, resulting in one person dying and two suffering personal injuries.

The incident took place at Mount Vernon Baptist Church just north of Clinton. The building was under construction and it appears that roof supports toppled over.

According to authorities, one of the construction workers died and two more were injured after becoming trapped underneath the wreckage.

Worker Orlando Martinez said that the crew was removing some of the 2x4s and replacing them with new ones. He said they heard a noise every time one of the boards was removed, then suddenly the structure fell.

The injured workers, Wallace resident Darium Rony and Chinquapin resident Adrian Norris Jr., received transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where they were listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have not discovered the exact cause of the accident, but believe weather to have been a factor.

The deceased worker’s identity had not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.