SALISBURY — A Denton man died in a two-car accident about 6:40 this morning at the intersection of South Jake Alexander Boulevard and East Innes Street.
The driver of a black van, later identified as 46-year-old William H. Robins, was thrown from the vehicle and pinned underneath as it flipped on its side.
His two sons, ages 20 and 21, were also in the van. They were taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
The van collided with a Chrysler containing one person. The driver, Stephen Burrow, was also taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Authorities said the van was traveling from Stokes Ferry Road, going across Innes Street to Jake Alexander. The Chrysler was heading towards Salisbury on Innes. The lights at the intersection were flashing, yellow for the Chrysler and red for the van. The van did not stop at the intersection.
Salisbury Police Deputy Chief Steve Whitley was on the scene this morning.
A power surge early Monday morning caused the lights, which typically function normally throughout the night, to “go into flash mode,” Whitley said.
The cause of the surge is still being investigated.
The van was full of pocket knives, baseball cards and other material, which was strewn across the road. There was some speculation it may have been headed to the flea market.
The Chrysler ended up next to a telephone pole in a yard near the intersection.
Salisbury Fire Department, Salisbury Police, Rowan EMS and Rowan Rescue responded to the accident.
Part of Jake Alexander was shut down to clear the scene, with traffic being shifted to Stokes Ferry Road and U.S. 52.
Salisbury Police said it was unclear if Robins was wearing a seatbelt.