Breaking News: Four Dead, Three Injured After City Dump Truck Hits Power Crew in Eden, NC

Rockingham County, North Carolina — April 28, 2025 — According to WXII 12, a tragic collision claimed four lives and left three others injured after a City of Eden dump truck entered a roadside work zone and struck a team of utility workers.

Authorities say the driver, 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden, failed to stop at a posted sign before crashing into a crew performing electrical work along Church Street. Six Carolina Power & Signalization workers, including a third-party inspector, were hit. Four died at the scene, and two others remain hospitalized—one in critical condition.

The deceased were identified as Douglas Sides, 72, Madison Carter, 32, William Evans, 35, and Matthew Lockwood, 30. Vernon also collided with a bucket truck before stopping in a ditch. One worker in the bucket was treated for minor injuries.

Vernon, who suffered minor injuries, has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Impairment is not suspected. He has been placed on administrative leave by the City of Eden as the investigation continues.

Carolina Power & Signalization, Duke Energy, local officials, and the North Carolina Governor’s Office have all issued public condolences after the devastating loss. Flags were lowered, and utility crews returned to the scene Friday morning to assess the damage.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.

Our thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased.

The Ramsay Law Firm has attorneys who are Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation claims to help individuals with severe injuries and death claims.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way. Call 704-376-1616 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.