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Chicken truck crashes through Monroe Rite Aid

MONROE, N.C. — A Rite Aid pharmacy in Monroe will undergo major repairs Thursday after a chicken truck crashed into it late Wednesday night.

The crash happened around 10 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 74 near Sutherland Avenue.

The trailer was wedged into the building so tightly that crews called two tow trucks to pull it out.

The truck, loaded with empty chicken cages, crashed through the front of the store.

Officials said a fuel tank on the truck ruptured and HAZMAT crews had to respond to the crash scene.

The fire chief told Channel 9 that the truck was driving eastbound on Highway 74 when, for some reason, it went off the road.

The driver of the truck, Anthony Dwayne Martin, was taken to Carolinas Medical Center but was alert and talking with paramedics.

Police have not said what caused him to drive into the building.

There were two employees inside who were not injured. No customers were in the Rite Aid, officials said.

The accident is under investigation.

Rite Aid officials said they are unsure how long the store will be closed. Customers can pick up prescriptions at the other Rite Aid location in Monroe at 1208 Skyway Drive.