Tragic Accident Leaves 5 Dead

Five people died in an accident, Friday night, October 24, after failing to stop for a stop sign and being hit by a tanker truck on N.C. 27.

Those killed were Esteban Isidro of Raleigh, Jorge Gallarbo of Mexico, Germain Chavez of Angier, and sisters Ashley and Norma Martinez also of Angier.  Isidro was driving the vehicle.

Isidro may have not been familiar with the intersection, because there was no indication that he attempted to stop.

The driver of the tanker, Ronnie Vanatta, Jr. of Pikeville was not speeding, even though he could not avoid the collision. His tanker ran over the car, driven by Isidro.

A station wagon, being driven by Kimberly Jones of Benson was on the other side of N.C. 27. Her car was struck by the tanker, when it lost control, after the collision.

Jones suffered bruises, a broken collarbone and a broken ankle.

Vanatta appeared to have had minor injuries and was treated at the scene.