Authorities say a sharp curve, high rate of speed and a head-on collision claimed the life of one man and sent several others to the hospital. The wreck happened near Pantego in Beaufort County Tuesday morning. Authorities say the driver of a white Honda Civic carrying a passenger hit a sharp curve on Swindell Road near Highway-99 at a speed of 75 to 80 miles an hour. The Honda then hit a Ford truck head-on and it burst into flames, but those inside were able to get out. The driver of the Honda died at the scene; his passenger was airlifted by East Care. The accident is still under investigation by the Highway Patrol. In Pitt County, an SUV rolled over on top of the driver when he was ejected, killing him. The crash happened on Tucker Road, near Simpson. State troopers say 40-year-old Eric Tyrone Johnson was ejected from the truck when it ran off the right side of the road. The SUV landed on top of Johnson, who died at the scene. Troopers say Johnson had just retired from the military.
