EDEN, N.C. (rbs news now) — Two city employees have been terminated and another has resigned following an April 24 crash in Eden that killed four people.

Michael Ray Vernon, 66, of Eden, was driving a city-owned dump truck when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Carroll Road and went through the crossing, striking six workers performing powerline maintenance, according to investigators.

He then collided with a bucket truck—while someone was inside—before running off the road and crashing into a ditch.

Authorities said four of the six workers died at the scene; Douglas Garland Sides, Madison Carter, William Evans, and Matthew Lockwood.

Two other workers suffered serious, life-threatening injuries.

Vernon was charged with one count of failing to stop at a stop sign, one count of operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver’s license, and four counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

He was issued a $50,000 unsecured bond.

The City of Eden said in a statement it has terminated Vernon and Public Works Operations Superintendent Elmer “Dusty” Curry following preliminary findings from an ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.

Public Works Operations Manager Darren Committed also resigned, according to the city.

“The City of Eden is party to an ongoing NTSB investigation. Other agencies are also investigating this matter,” the city’s statement read. “In accordance with limitations required by the investigating agencies, the City can make no further comments at this time.”

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY — April 24

EDEN, N.C. (rbs news now) — Four people are dead and several others injured after a City of Eden dump truck struck a group of powerline workers on April 24, according to authorities.

The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon, of Eden, was driving a 2016 Hino dump truck northbound on Carroll Street when he failed to stop at a stop sign and plowed through the intersection.

The truck struck six pedestrians who were performing contracted powerline work for Carolina Power and Signalization.

It then collided with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road into a ditch, according to state highway patrol.

Four of the pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene:

• Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
• Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
• William Evans, 35, of Randleman
• Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem

Authorities said two other workers—a 24-year-old man from Reidsville and a 34-year-old man from Eden—suffered serious, life-threatening injuries.

Both were airlifted to the hospital.

The man from Reidsville remains in critical condition, while the Eden man is listed in stable condition.

The occupant of the bucket truck was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Vernon sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Vernon has been charged with a stop sign violation and four counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

Authorities say impairment is not believed to be a factor.

Duke Energy, which contracted the power crew, issued a statement expressing its condolences: “We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy.”

Eden Mayor Neville Hall addressed the tragedy in a video message, offering condolences and thanking first responders: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of this terrible incident.”

Several surrounding streets—including Church, Carroll, Park, Stephens, Howell, and Kellam—were closed for an extended period following the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.