Troopers: Man dies after trying to pass tractor trailer in no-passing zone

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A man died after hitting a van and a tractor trailer in Union County Tuesday morning, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened on South Rocky River Road just south of Lancaster Highway at around 5:45 a.m.

Rocky River Road was closed between Lancaster Highway and Lathan Road while troopers investigated.

Troopers said a Ford pickup truck was driving south on Rocky River Road. It was driving behind a tractor trailer when it tried to pass the 18-wheeler in a no-passing zone. That was when the truck collided into an oncoming van. Troopers said after the impact, the truck was pushed back into the southbound lanes and then crashed into the tractor trailer.

The pickup truck’s driver, Cris Sammy Cortez-Cortez, was hurt and died from his injuries at the scene, troopers said. Nobody in the oncoming van was seriously hurt.

Troopers said they found an open container on Cortez but do not know yet if impairment was a factor in the crash for him. Troopers said they did not find any violations after they inspected the tractor trailer.

There was no information yet on if anyone involved would be charged.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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