Truck carrying military explosives overturns, kills two

COLUMBUS COUNTY — The Columbus County Coroner confirms that an early morning accident in Columbus County has claimed the lives of Robert and Barbara Jean Mason of Long Island, Virginia.

The accident happened a little after Friday this morning.

Investigators believe Robert Mason was the driver. They say it appears he fell asleep at the wheel. They say the couple was on their way to a military base, carrying C4 explosives to Sunny Point when the tractor trailer they were in flipped over. Investigators aren’t confirming or how much of the explosive the truck was carrying.

About ten homes were evacuated and military response teams from Fort Bragg and Sunny Point were brought in.

Highway 211 was closed for most of the day but was reopened around 8 Friday Night.

The Columbus County Coroner says family members of the victims have been notified.