New Bern man hurt in wreck on bridge

A New Bern man was seriously injured Wednesday night in a two-car crash on the Trent River bridge.

State Highway Patrol Trooper Curtis Toler said a 2002 Ford diesel pickup driven by Jimmy Dillahunt was stopped in the eastbound lane of the bridge.

Toler said Dillahunt's truck was rear-ended by a 2008 Ford Edge driven by Arthur Barrett, 73, of New Bern. Barrett was taken to Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Toler said he spoke with Barrett in his hospital room Thursday.

"He is in critical condition, but he is stable," Toler said.

Dillahunt was injured according to Toler, but refused medical attention or treatment.

Toler said the crash happened at 9:15 p.m. and caused a "real mess." He said traffic was backed up to the Tuscarora exit on U.S. 70, 11 miles west of New Bern.

"There was water on the bridge; the conditions were hazardous and dangerous for law enforcement and first responders," Toler said.

He said the investigation continues and charges are pending.

Toler said motorists on bridges should exercise extra caution. "There is no escape route," he said. "Anticipate hazards on bridges. Pay attention and watch driving distances."