Fatal Accident on Poole Road
In a harrowing incident early Thursday morning, an SUV driver lost control and struck three men who were sitting in front of a residence on Poole Road in Raleigh. The driver, identified as Jelson Molina Carbajal, 28, was reportedly navigating the intersection of Poole Road and New Bern Avenue when the accident occurred. Among the victims was 47-year-old Demetrius Smith, who tragically lost his life due to the impact.
Charges and Hospitalizations
Raleigh police have charged Jelson Molina Carbajal with multiple offenses, including driving while impaired and felony death by vehicle. The accident reportedly happened around 2:15 a.m. when Carbajal, driving a Ford Explorer, hit a curb while turning, overcorrected, and veered across the road, ultimately colliding with the men on the sidewalk. Both the other two victims and Carbajal, along with a passenger from the Explorer, were rushed to the hospital with injuries.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Safety
This tragic event highlights the critical need for vigilance and strict adherence to traffic laws to prevent such devastating accidents. The Raleigh Police are continuing their investigation to fully understand the dynamics of the crash and enforce traffic safety measures. The community is reminded of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of responsible vehicle operation to protect all road users.